Analysis

The analysis of the SWES involves evaluating the reliability and validity of the tool. The internal consistency of the items, usually measured with Cronbach’s alpha, ensures the coherence of responses. Test–retest reliability is examined through measurements at different points in time to confirm the stability of responses. The validity of the tool is assessed through comparative studies with other measures of professional empowerment and through factor analyses to confirm the scale’s structure.

Objective

The objective of the SWES is to provide a reliable and valid means of assessing the empowerment of social workers. This tool is used to understand how social workers perceive their professional role and the degree of control they have within their work environment. In addition, the SWES is used in the development and evaluation of programs aimed at increasing the empowerment of social workers, thereby improving their professional performance and job satisfaction.

Calibration

The SWES is calibrated using a Likert scale, where responses range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), depending on the extent to which social workers agree with the questionnaire statements. Total scores are calculated by summing the item scores for each dimension of empowerment. Higher scores indicate a greater degree of perceived empowerment.

References

The literature on the SWES includes studies documenting the development and validation of the tool. One of the key studies is by Holden, Meenaghan, Anastas, and Metrey (2002), published in Social Work Research. This study provides a detailed description of the development of the SWES, the evaluation of its psychometric reliability and validity, and its application across different populations of social workers. In addition, the work of Gutierrez, DeLois, and GlenMaye (1995) on professional empowerment offers a theoretical framework for understanding the significance of empowerment in social work practice.