A STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL BY A METHOD OF SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to create and to test a method based on the principles of semantic differential and to check the level of its consistency with the method of PsyCap. Methodology: The study was conducted in Ukraine, at the first stage, there were 112 adult participants, where 52 were men and 60 were women. The second stage involved 69 people who were getting second higher education. For the purpose of mathematical and statistical processing of the obtained data, the SPSS 21 program was used, factor analysis and correlation analysis were performed. Main Findings: The conducted research made it possible to reveal the semantic space of the "work" concept, and to distinguish four main factors: stability, effectiveness, relations in the team and discipline. They do not coincide with the parameters of the PsyCap, which include self-confidence, the ability and willingness to make efforts to successfully accomplish complex tasks - that is efficiency; optimism - a positive attributive style regarding the success of current and future activities; hope - vision of the perspective, purposefulness in the construction of activity; resilience - ability to overcome difficulties, solve problems in the process of achieving the goal. Applications of this study: The study could be useful for HR-specialists, psychologists, and employees in different spheres.  In further research, it is desirable to continue the testing and standardization of the semantic differential "Attitude to work" and to conduct a cross-cultural study to find out if these factors of attitude to work are purely Ukrainian, or they are more general in nature. Novelty/Originality: Modern methods of studying psychological capital are cumbersome and unprotected from the influence of socially desirable responses. Therefore, there was a need to create a smaller procedure based on the principles of the semantic differential.