Development of a scale to measure the perceived competence limitations of Japanese IT engineers

Abstract

As technological innovation accelerates, Japanese information technology (IT) engineers increasingly experience a “perceived competence limitations.” Despite its relevance, few empirical tools exist to measure this construct. This study develops and validates a new scale based on two dimensions: mindset toward ability and efficacy beliefs in skill development. Drawing on Dweck’s mindset theory and Savickas’ career adaptability model, an 18-item scale was administered to 595 IT professionals. Factor analysis identified four reliable subscales, and correlations with job satisfaction and self-reported capability limitations confirmed the validity of the scale. IRT analysis further supported the scale’s psychometric soundness, suggesting its utility for understanding IT engineers’ adaptive challenges.