Hierarchical structure of the Entrepreneurial Career Competency Instrument

In extending Nel and Botha (2025) work, we sought theoretical and empirical support for a hierarchical representation of the recently developed Entrepreneurial Career Competency Instrument (ECCI), which comprises a general factor and four interpretable, specific factors. Drawing on classical test theory and factor analysis, this study assessed whether there was empirical support for this model by employing advanced statistical techniques that have not been previously applied to entrepreneurial competency (EC) measurement. This methodology enabled us to conduct a more nuanced analysis of complex measurement models supported by theory while accounting for model misspecification attributed to fallible human response. A conceptual replication approach was employed, reusing two samples (N = 1,305 and N = 280) and two statistical paradigms: frequentist and Bayesian structural equation modelling (SEM). Because direct comparisons across paradigms were not feasible, auxiliary diagnostics and factor loading analyses were used to assess factor strength and conceptual replicability. We provide practical guidance on scoring and interpreting the ECCI bifactor measurement model to support educational interventions, advancing the applied use of a hierarchical entrepreneurial competency framework.