Humility, Conception and Measurement

Abstract

Humility is a beneficial virtue. This study aimed to establish a conception of humility and examine the psychometrical properties of the measure proposed to verify it. Exploration Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmation Factor Analysis (CFA) have confirmed the good construct validity of this measure and its two-dimensional structure, which explained almost 60% variance of the employees' humility. The Haughtiness-Humility Scale (HHS) has satisfactory internal consistency. Alpha Cronbach's reliability coefficient for HHS was .85, respectively .89 for lack of haughtiness, and .85 for humility. The methods of the magnitude of factor loadings, average variance extracted, and composite reliability have confirmed the convergent validity of HHS. Also, good divergent validity was confirmed. Correlations of HHS and its dimensions with applied criterion validity measures have shown its criterion validity. The HHS consists of a lack of haughtiness reflecting an absence of an exaggerated sense of self-importance and humility as a non-overestimation of one’s abilities, adequate self-view, learning the truth about yourself, and an appreciative attitude. The HHS is recommended for Polish employees, but further analyses of this measure are needed, especially to examine its psychometric properties in other cultural backgrounds.

Received: 19 July 2024 / Accepted: 30 December 2024 / Published: 11 January 2025