Adding to global knowledge by leveraging mindfulness: revisiting the five facet mindfulness questionnaire in IT/ITES industry

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to revisit the properties of 24-item version of mindfulness scale proposed by Bohlmeijer et al. (2011) in an Indian context to add to the existing global knowledge base on mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to 531 adult employees working in the IT/ITES sector in India. Their responses were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and validity statistics to validate the Indian adaptation of the five-facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ).

Findings

The findings confirmed that the Indian version of the 24-item short form of the FFMQ (denoted as FFMQ-SF) matches the findings of Bohlmeijer et al. (2011). It can, therefore, provide valuable insights to both employees and management on the benefits of mindfulness in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

This paper also presents the limitations of this work along with scholarly and practical implications. It enhances the global understanding of mindfulness, with applications in education, health and well-being, workplaces, social justice, spirituality and personal growth.

Originality/value

This study justifies and presents a unique instrument for assessing employee mindfulness and is beneficial for both management and employees in navigating the evolving hybrid work environment. It promotes present-moment awareness in a non-judgemental manner, facilitating perspective shifts, improved self-regulation and experiential acceptance. Additionally, the study affirms the five-dimensional structure underlying the mindfulness construct.

Citation

Bharti, T. and Ojha, S.C. (2024), "Adding to global knowledge by leveraging mindfulness: revisiting the five facet mindfulness questionnaire in IT/ITES industry", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-02-2024-0101