Development and Validation of a Measure of Individual Differences in Concern for Reputation

Reputations serve an important function in regulating and motivating human behavior. From peer groups to work settings, concerns for one’s reputation can contribute to both positive and negative outcomes. However, previous work has yet to create and validate a measurement tool for capturing the different components of reputation concern. The current study investigated the validity and reliability of a multi-faceted reputation concern scale. Using data from 2,702 participants across five different sources, the 24-item Reputation Concern (RC) scale was assessed alongside a set of convergent and divergent validity indicators. Results provided evidence for a 4-factor solution (reputation stress, cognition, behaviors, and collective concern), supporting the subscales of the RC measure. Furthermore, invariance testing showed support for partial strict invariance between males and females, with latent means showing male’s higher cognition and behavior subscale scores than females, although male stress scores were significantly lower than that of females. This work provides the first step in establishing a trustworthy RC measure, although cross-cultural validation is still needed.