Development of the professional role behaviors survey (PROBES)

This study examined the content validity, internal consistency, and underlying dimensions of the Professional Role Behaviors Survey (PROBES) for its use in future research.

Using the 26-item PROBES, 253 clinical managers reported on the direction and magnitude of change in the role behaviors of physical therapists following hospital restructuring.

Descriptive and correlational statistics of the responses indicated that the nature of the role behavior changes was consistent with those identified in the literature and that the survey instrument had good internal consistency. A principal component factor analysis yielded 5 underlying role behavior dimensions: "evaluating and planning," "productivity," "interacting," "information sharing," and "administration/clinical." This factor structure was found to provide a good fit with role classification schemes and a clear differentiation of physical therapist role behaviors. In addition, the finding supports viewing the professional role behaviors as a single construct rather than as multiple constructs.

The PROBES was found to have good content validity and internal consistency. It provides a useful tool for the study of the changing roles of professional practitioners and a link in the study of the effect of organizational change on organizational outcomes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment.