Context and Validation of the Korean Work Capital Scale: 한국판 일 자본 척도 타당화

Unique historical and sociocultural contexts in South Korea, including educational meritocracy (i.e., Hakbeolism), Confucian capitalism, and economic conditions, have intensified social class inequities. This polarized social class-based work capital influences access to work opportunities, which in turn perpetuates social class inequality. Despite these critical cultural and vocational contexts, no existing scale exists measure work capital in South Korea. To address this gap, this study aimed to translate and validate the Work Capital Scale (WCS) in the Korean context. Using data from 581 Korean employees and job seekers, we confirmed the four-factor, 16-item structure of the Korean Work Capital Scale (K-WCS), with a correlational model providing the best fit to the data. Measurement invariance was established across education, employment status, and adjusted income, with partial invariance across social class. We provided evidence for the construct validity through correlations with preexisting scales, contextual predictors, and vocational constructs. We also found support for incremental validity, showing that K-WCS predicted work volition, career adaptability, and decent work over and beyond existing measures. Findings provide insights into understanding social class-based work capital in South Korea.