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Research Article

Korean Disability Equality Index (KDEI): Development and Validation of a Scale for Measuring Workplace Disabled-Friendliness

Suk, Kwanho, Cho, Hogun, Taegsun Kim, Tae-Rim Han, Chul Hwan Bang, Gaeun Kim

Korea University
Korea Employment Security Association for the Disabled
Korea Public Policy Institute
Gyeonggi-Do Support Center for Workers with Disabilities
Korea Public Policy Institute
Ipsos

Published: January 2021 · Vol. 50, No. 3 · pp. 709-744

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17287/kmr.2021.50.3.709

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Abstract

This research develops and validates the Korean Disability Equality Index (KDEI) that is a scale to measure disabled-friendliness in the workplace. Although quantitative indices of employment of the disabled show an improving trend in Korea, the quality of the job and the working conditions of disabled employees still require substantial improvements. The scale intends to capture the qualitative aspects of disabled-friendliness by evaluating the long-term plans, executions, and management of companies to provide disabled employees fair and equal opportunities and working environment. The developed scale consists of five measurement dimensions, 12 sub-dimensions, and 66 items. Content validity of the measurement dimensions and items was validated by experts. Tests of criterion-related validity using data from 44 companies present strong concurrent validity. The score of the KDEI was significantly related to (1) the social motive in hiring disabled workers, (2) the decreased difficulty in hiring because of either the incompetence of companies or problems in manpower supply and demand, (3) the knowledge of human-resource managers about support programs for disabled employees, and (4) the hiring rates of the disabled. The index can be used to assess current working conditions and to manage and monitor goals related to the disabled-friendliness of companies.
Keywords: Korean Disability Equality Index(KDEI)Scale developmentDisabled-friendly workplaceCorporate social responsibility(CSR)Quality of employmentJob satisfaction