Abstract :
Equivalence of measurement across cultures is a prerequisite for the generalization of an instrument. The
measurement equivalence of 10 value types derived from Schwartz’s structural model of values and measured
with the SchwartzValue Survey questionnaire is evaluated in 21 countries. Based on previous research
by Schwartz and colleagues, the measurement equivalence of the 10 value types is tested separately using
nested multigroup confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicate that it is possible for most value types to
reach acceptable levels of configural and metric equivalence; only the dimension of Hedonism is rejected at
these two levels of equivalence. Four value types (Benevolence, Conformity, Self-Direction, and Universalism)
also showfactor variance equivalence. The hypotheses of scalar and reliability equivalence are rejected
for all value types. Indications are also given of the number of items to be included for measuring the value
types at the different levels of equivalence.
