Abstract
Orientation: Persistent financial stressors experienced by South African employees indicate
the need for a culturally appropriate scale for workplace application.
Research Purpose: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Klontz Money Script
Inventory-Revised (KMSI-R) in a South African workplace context.
Motivation for the Study: The KMSI-R was developed in a Western context but has not
been validated within a South African setting, raising concerns about its cultural applicability.
Research Approach, Design, and Method: Cross-sectional survey of employees (n = 393).
ESEM models were compared, and global fit was assessed using χ2, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and
SRMR, with evaluation prioritising multiple indices rather than rigid cut-offs. Reliability (ω,
α), convergent validity with related scales, and discriminant validity against theoretically
dissimilar scales were examined. Where the initial fit fell short, theoretically justified withinfactor
correlated residuals were incorporated using evidence from modification indices.
Main Results: The four-factor KMSI-R structure was supported, with theoretically coherent
loadings. Internal consistency was acceptable for three factors, but was weaker for Money
Vigilance, indicating cautious interpretation. Evidence of convergence was strongest for
Money Worship, while discriminant validity was generally upheld, with partial overlap for
Money Vigilance.
Practical/Managerial Implications: In South Africa, the KMSI-R provides actionable input
for employee financial well-being interventions, where profile-level interpretations are
recommended, with Money Vigilance treated cautiously and interpretations corroborated with
behavioural indicators...