Confirmatory Composite Analysis Research Articles

Integrating observational and modelled data to advance the understanding of heat stress effects on pregnant subsistence farmers in the gambia

Studies on the effect of heat stress on pregnant women are scarce, particularly in highly vulnerable populations. To support the risk assessment of pregnant subsistence farmers in the West Kiang district, The Gambia we conducted a study on the pathophysiological effects of extreme heat stress and assessed the applicability of heat stress indices. From ERA5 climate reanalysis we added location-specific modelled solar radiation to datasets of a previous observational cohort study involving on-site measurements of 92 women working in the heat. Associations between physiological and environmental variables were assessed through Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, mixed effect linear models with random intercepts per participant and confirmatory composite analysis. We found Pearson correlations between r-values of 0 and 0.54, as well as independent effects of environmental variables on skin- and tympanic temperature, but not on heart rate, within a confidence interval of 98%. Pregnant women experienced stronger pathophysiological effects from heat stress in their third rather than in their second trimester. Environmental heat stress significantly altered maternal heat strain, particularly under humid conditions above a 50% relative humidity threshold, demonstrating interactive effects. Based on our results, we recommend including heat stress indices (e.g. UTCI or WBGT) in local heat-health warning systems.

The Extent and Patterns of Digitalization in Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) Farms in South Africa

This study sought to develop an index for agricultural digitalization by applying composite confirmatory analysis (CCA). Another aim was to determine the factors that affect the development of digitalization in PLAS farms. Data on the indicators of the three dimensions of digitalization were collected from 300 Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) farms in South Africa using semi-structured questionnaires. Confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) was employed to reduce the items into three digitalization dimensions and ultimately to a digitalization index. Standardized digitalization index scores were extracted and fitted to a linear regression model to determine the factors affecting digitalization. The results revealed that the model shows practical validity and can be used to measure digitalization as measures of fit (geodesic distance, standardized root mean square residual, and squared Euclidean distance) were all below their respective 95%quantiles of bootstrap discrepancies (HI95 values). Therefore, digitalization is an emergent variable that can be measured using CCA. The average level of digitalization in PLAS farms was 0.02 and varied significantly across provinces. Although farmers have attempted to digitalise their farms, there are still minimal levels of digitalization in PLAS farms. The results further reveal different digitalization patterns. As judged by the estimated weights of various dimensions of digitalization, the use of digital technologies to collect, store, analyse, and disseminate (CSAD) farm-related data contributed more towards the digitalization index. The second most important component of digitalization was automation digitalization. In contrast, value chain digitalization was the least significant contributor. The factors that significantly influence digitalization were age, gender, farm type, network type, and cellular data type. Since PLAS farmers have not embraced much digitalization, it is important to focus on awareness and capacity building. A balanced approach to digitalization would benefit PLAS farms by ensuring that strategies to integrate digital solutions within the value chain are developed. To foster and support the digitalization in PLAS farms, policymakers and stakeholders should tailor their strategies to fit specific socioeconomic factors.

Evaluating climate change competence in pre-teens: Instrument development and validation

The aim of this study is to design and validate a tool to measure the three levels (knowledge, skill and attitude) of climate change competence in children aged 10–12 years (pre-teens). The scale was designed on the basis of an exhaustive literature review and the evaluation of a panel of CC experts. The initial model constructed was refined based on a pilot study with 67 children and a new evaluation by the panel of experts. The resulting scale was then validated using the confirmatory composite analysis using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (N = 459). The final scale consists of 30 items divided into the three dimensions of competence and the distribution of items is as follows: 14 in knowledge (three items in biophysical processes, three in causes, three in consequences and three in mitigation), nine in skill (three in consumerism, three in transport and three in energy saving) and nine in attitude (three in worry, three in hope and three in interest). Based on the high loadings obtained in the different sub-dimensions in the validation process, it is determined that the instrument “climate change competence scale in pre-teens” is reliable and suitable for the assessment of competence in students of this age range.

Revisiting the Construct Validity of Self-Regulating Capacity in Vocabulary Learning Scale: The Confirmatory Composite Analysis (CCA) Approach

Abstract Research into self-regulating capacity in vocabulary learning is recognized as a significant topic within the second language domain. The self-regulating capacity in vocabulary learning scale (SRCvoc; Tseng et al. 2006) is arguably the most widely used tool for assessing this construct. The common factor model, which is applied through confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis, has been the primary methods for validating the SRCvoc. However, previous studies have encountered difficulties in obtaining good model fit and generated results that deviate from supporting the theory. We argue the constructs of the SRCvoc are inherently composites, rather than common factors, and should therefore be evaluated using confirmatory composite analysis. In this study, we compared the results of CFA and CCA, highlighting the shortcomings of CFA in supporting the construct validity of composite constructs such as SRCvoc. CFA failed to satisfy the conceptual and empirical perspectives of SRCvoc. In contrast, our data supported the construct validity of SRCvoc solely through CCA. We also evaluated the criterion-related validity of SRCvoc via the composite model and showed that SRCvoc constructs were positively and moderately associated with L2 vocabulary achievement.

Modeling Emergent Variables to Assess the Adoption of Activity-Based Costing in Tanzania: The Application of Confirmatory Composite Analysis

Research Aims: The applications of composite models in explaining the adoption of innovations continue to gain widespread recognition in contemporary research. This study examines the role of a composite model comprising innovation attributes, contingency factors, and isomorphic pressures in explaining the adoption of activity-based costing (ABC) in Tanzania. The examined causal relationship between the model and ABC adoption is subject to mediation by behavioral preferences. More importantly, this study evaluates the overall fit of the model based on confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) as a prerequisite for path analysis.
 Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 188 manufacturing and service companies in Tanzania using a cross-sectional survey design. As part of CCA, the study employed principal component analysis (PCA) to form the three emergent variables namely innovation attributes, contingency factors and isomorphic pressures. It is these variables that were merged together to form the composite model whose influence on ABC adoption was analyzed based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
 Research Findings: It was found out that, it is only normative beliefs that positively mediated the causal - relationship between the composite model and ABC adoption. This suggests that, the combined influences of internal and external factors defined by innovation attributes, contingency factors and isomorphic pressures towards ABC adoption is mediated by the belief that manufacturing and service companies should adopt the system. On the other hand, the perceptions of the system’s usefulness and ease to use do not play role in explaining the combined influences of factors on ABC adoption.
 Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The findings are paramount in creating the reference base for future studies as there were no previous studies of similar nature conducted to assess the impact of the composite model on ABC adoption.
 Keyword: Composite model, Innovation attributes, Contingency factors, Isomorphic pressures, Activity-based costing, Confirmatory composite analysis

Scale development for measuring sustainability of urban destinations from the perspectives of residents, tourists, businesses and government

This study develops four subjective scales to measure a destination’s sustainability from the perspectives of residents, tourists, businesses and government agencies. Using the expert opinion survey, participants were asked to evaluate the initial list of indicators based on five aspects of sustainability, including economic, socio-cultural, environmental, political and technological sustainability for each stakeholder group. Then, the scales were validated using partial least squares - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). This article has a unique theoretical contribution by developing four scales to measure the sustainability of destinations from the perspective of four main stakeholders. Moreover, this article provides practical implications and can assist tourism providers and governments in better understanding sustainable urban tourism development and shaping policy.

Knowledge Production in a Territorial Network of Organizations: Identifying the Determinants in the Case of Moroccan Technopole

Globalization has led to a geographical concentration of economic activities, known as territorialized networks of organizations, especially technopoles. That is why the knowledge process takes on new dimensions and requires a multidimensional and dynamic approach. This study aims to analyze factors of knowledge production dynamics in technopoles based on a conceptual model that is elaborated based on the literature review and tested in a technopole’s environment, knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, and knowledge utilization processes. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling confirmatory composite analysis techniques to test the validity and reliability of the model. The technopole actors’ heterogeneous nature allowed us to use a stratified sampling technique. The data were collected from 303 respondents from four technopoles in Morocco. Our findings indicate the existence of a strong influence of the factors presented in the research model on knowledge production dynamics in technopoles. Moreover, the technopole actors’ contribution to the creation, transfer, and utilization of knowledge is more likely to be effective in increasing knowledge production dynamics within the network. The technopoles are likely to be more successful in regions that have the properties of a large, diversified, and well-established metropolitan economy, a robust research base, and an entrepreneurial culture where stakeholders are actively engaged. Our study is the first to analyze the dynamics of knowledge production in Moroccan territorialized networks of organizations (i.e., technopoles). This study provides insights to managers in formulating efficient knowledge production strategies in technopoles and offers suggestions at three levels: actors of technopoles, technopoles, and regional actors.

When and how to use confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) in second language research

AbstractResearchers in second language (L2) and education domain use different statistical methods to assess their constructs of interest. Many L2 constructs emerge from elements/parts, i.e., the elements define and form the construct and not the other way around. These constructs are referred to as emergent variables (also called components, formative constructs, and composite constructs). Because emergent variables are composed of elements/parts, they should be assessed through confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). Elements of emergent variables represent unique facets of the construct. Thus, such constructs cannot be properly assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) because CFA and its underlying common factor model regard these elements to be similar and interchangeable. Conversely, the elements of an emergent variable uniquely define and form the construct, i.e., they are not similar or interchangeable. Thus, CCA is the preferred approach to empirically validate emergent variables such as language skills L2 students’ behavioral engagement and language learning strategies. CCA is based on the composite model, which captures the characteristics of emergent variables more accurately. Aside from the difference in the underlying model, CCA consists of the same steps as CFA, i.e., model specification, model identification, model estimation, and model assessment. In this paper, we explain these steps. and present an illustrative example using publicly available data. In doing so, we show how CCA can be conducted using graphical software packages such as Amos, and we provide the code necessary to conduct CCA in the R package lavaan.

Environmental, social, governance (ESG) & sustainable finance : Emergence of new era of investing

Since the financial crisis, investors have given greater regard to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making stock market choices. To achieve sustainable development, these elements are fundamental. This research paper aims to assess the impact of risk profile, investing decision-making, and asset familiarity on the preferences of individual stock market investors for ESG investing by using investment behaviour as a mediator. According to the paper, there is a growing trend in investments that consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. The study’s methodology included secondary data sources as well as primary data obtained using a Google form poll, which yielded 400 legitimate responses. To examine the sample size, the programme G*Power 3.1.9.2 was used. A total of 400 responses were included into the research, with the programme determining a sample size of 262 individuals. People from all throughout India filled out the survey. To construct the structural equation model, the Smart PLS programme was used. The validity and reliability of the constructs were evaluated using Confirmatory Composite Analysis. Use of confirmatory composite analysis allowed for evaluation of the constructs’ dependability. With Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability, and Rho A values of 0.7, the validity and reliability tests utilised in this study were powerful. The study’s results provide light on how ESG factors would influence investing choices in the long run. When drafting legislation pertaining to the stock market, authorities would have the option to include investor preferences.

Considerations in Designing and Validating the Diagnostic Inventory for Self-Regulated Language Learning (DISLL): Status of the Process

This article describes a new questionnaire, the “Diagnostic Inventory for Self-Regulated Language Learning” (DISLL), for assessing self-regulated learning strategies of students of English as an additional language. We discuss self-regulated learning models, evaluate existing questionnaires for assessing language learners’ self-regulated strategy use, and present a rationale for the DISLL. We explain Zimmerman’s (2000) three-phase model, adapted with simplified phase names: planning, doing, and reflecting. Every DISLL phase starts with a brief scenario to help learners judge how often they employ each strategy in that phase. Already completed are a review of the DISLL 1.0 by 18 international researchers, the step-by-step creation of the DISLL 1.1, and the profiling of vocabulary in the DISLL 1.1 to ensure the simplicity necessary for intermediate-level learners. We present an argument-based validation framework, to be supported by piloting the DISLL 1.2 in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Poland and even broader piloting of the DISLL 1.3. Statistical analyses will involve quantitative methods, e.g., exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and confirmatory composite analysis. At least one site will also use qualitative think-aloud protocols. The DISLL will be released into the public domain for free use after version 1.3.

Validation of the shortened 24-item multidimensional assessment of interoceptive awareness, version 2 (Brief MAIA-2)

The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) was translated into many languages and frequently used in the last decade to assess self-reported interoceptive awareness. However, many studies demonstrated weaknesses regarding unstable factor structure and poor reliability of some scales. The 24-item Brief MAIA-2 questionnaire was developed, with only three items demonstrating the highest factor loadings in each of the eight scales of the MAIA-2. The cross-sectional online study used the 37-item MAIA-2 questionnaire in a non-clinical sample of 323 people aged between 16 and 75 (M = 26.17, SD = 9.12), including 177 women (54.80%). The sample comprised 156 athletes (48.30%) and 167 non-athletes (51.70%). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed adequate fit indices for a multidimensional model of the Brief MAIA-2, with the original eight scales: Noticing (awareness of subtle bodily sensations, such as the heartbeat, digestive sensations, or the breath), Not Distracting (ability to maintain attention to bodily sensations without being easily distracted by external stimuli), Not Worrying (tendency to not be overly concerned or anxious about bodily sensations or changes in the body), Attention Regulation (ability to regulate attention to bodily sensations and to shift attention between internal and external stimuli), Emotional Awareness (awareness and understanding of how emotions are associated with bodily sensations), Self Regulation (ability to regulate emotional responses and manage distress through an awareness of bodily sensations), Body Listening (tendency to listen to the body for insight and understanding), and Trusting (trust in bodily sensations as a source of information about one's feelings and needs). The hierarchical bi-factor (S·I – 1) model showed even better-fit indices. Therefore, the general factor of interoception was considered in further statistical tests. Confirmatory composite analysis showed high reliability and discriminant and convergent validity for most Brief MAIA-2 scales, except Noticing. Measurement invariance was confirmed across genders (Women, Men) and sports participation (Athletes, Non-athletes). However, group differences were also found for mean scores in particular scales of the Brief MAIA-2. Men scored significantly lower than women in Not Distracting but higher in Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, Self Regulation, Trusting, and the total score of interoceptive awareness. Gender discrepancies may be influenced by linguistic socialization, which tends to categorize shifts in internal states as either physiological or emotional. Athletes scored significantly lower than Non-athletes on the Not Distracting scale, but they showed higher scores in Noticing, Attention Regulation, Emotion Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, Trusting, and the global score, suggesting that physical training can improve most areas of interoception. Therefore, physical exercises and mindfulness training may be recommended to improve interoception, especially in women and people suffering from somatic and mental problems. The Brief MAIA-2 is a reliable and valid tool to measure multidimensional interoceptive sensibility in a non-clinical population. To improve well-being and athletic performance, Brief MAIA-2 can be used to assess the body's current perception of interoception and to detect its weak areas requiring improvement. However, the study has some limitations, such as a cross-sectional online self-report survey in a conventional non-clinical sample from Poland. Future cross-cultural studies should include representative samples for non-clinical and clinical populations from different countries and geographic regions to compare the Brief MAIA-2 with more objective psychophysiological methods of measuring interoception to reduce the limitations of these studies.

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Open Dialogue services around the world: a scoping survey exploring organizational characteristics in the implementation of the Open Dialogue approach in mental health services.

This cross-sectional study investigates the characteristics and practices of mental health care services implementing Open Dialogue (OD) globally. A structured questionnaire including a self-assessment scale to measure teams' adherence to Open Dialogue principles was developed. Data were collected from OD teams in various countries. Confirmatory Composite Analysis was employed to assess the validity and reliability of the OD self-assessment measurement. Partial Least Square multiple regression analysis was used to explore characteristics and practices which represent facilitating and hindering factors in OD implementation. The survey revealed steady growth in the number of OD services worldwide, with 142 teams across 24 countries by 2022, primarily located in Europe. Referrals predominantly came from general practitioners, hospitals, and self-referrals. A wide range of diagnostic profiles was treated with OD, with psychotic disorders being the most common. OD teams comprised professionals from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of OD training. Factors positively associated with OD self-assessment included a high percentage of staff with OD training, periodic supervisions, research capacity, multi-professional teams, self-referrals, outpatient services, younger client groups, and the involvement of experts by experience in periodic supervision. The findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics and practices of OD teams globally, highlighting the need for increased training opportunities, supervision, and research engagement. Future research should follow the development of OD implementation over time, complement self-assessment with rigorous observations and external evaluations, focus on involving different stakeholders in the OD-self-assessment and investigate the long-term outcomes of OD in different contexts.

Peer‐to‐peer community on social media: An exploratory cross‐cultural study

AbstractThis exploratory research utilizes the lens of uses and gratifications theory (UGT) to examine cross‐cultural differences in consumers' motives for using social media to build peer‐to‐peer (P2P) community. Using a mixed‐method approach through two studies, we first conduct in‐depth interviews to better understand consumers' motivations for P2P community on social media. Then exploratory factor analysis using Belgian and U.S. survey data and confirmatory composite analysis reveal the factors of curiosity, self‐presentation, social interaction, relational connections (Belgium only), the importance of social verification, and communication. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling explain the relationship between the emerging factors and consumers' need for P2P community. While individualized motivations were found to be significant in both samples, relational motivations were not, as Belgian consumers were less concerned about socially interacting with others. Additionally, consumers' curiosity was not found to be significantly related to the need for community in either sample. This study extends previous research using the UGT framework by generating knowledge on cross‐cultural differences of P2P community on social media; theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Automobile Sales: A Confirmatory Composite Analysis Using Google Trends Data to Develop a Structural Equation Model

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) analyzes latent variables in structural equation models representing unmeasurable attitudes or behaviors. In contrast, confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) uses emergent variables such as capacities, values, and indices. When significant secondary and Google trend data are used, CCA may be preferred over CFA. This study employs CCA and partial least squares to develop a structural equation model. It examines COVID-19’s impact on vehicle sales in Thailand. The study uses data from March 2020 to September 2021, including COVID-19 infection rates, newly registered cars, and Google Trends data on COVID-19 and vehicle sales. The results indicate that the overall model fit, and measurement model parameters are outstanding. This suggests a significant negative influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on car sales in Thailand. The study concluded that CCA and partial least squares were used to analyze the impact of COVID -19 on vehicle sales in Thailand. Analysis of secondary data and Google trend data revealed a significant negative impact of the pandemic on car sales, indicating a negative impact on the automotive industry in Thailand during the indicated period.

Cross-cultural validation of the Chinese cultural value scale in tourism

This study aims to validate the Chinese Cultural Value Scale in Tourism (CCV-T) across cultures, using a sample of 405 Australian tourists. Through the application of Confirmatory Composite Analysis (CCA) within Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study demonstrates that the CCV-T scale exhibits excellent measurement qualities, including indicator reliability, construct reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity. The CCV-T scale comprises five dimensions: Life and Leisure Enjoyment (LLE), Filial Piety and Relationship (FPR), Self-fulfilment, Righteousness, and Humanity, consisting of 17 measurement items. The findings indicate that this scale is suitable for use with Australian tourists, representing a Western cultural context. Moreover, the CCV-T scale demonstrates its potential as a universal tool for measuring cultural values in tourism, applicable across various cultural and national contexts. This makes it a valuable instrument for future cross-cultural studies focusing on cultural values within the realm of tourism. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of cultural value studies in tourism by establishing a scale that is valid across different cultures. Industry professionals and policymakers can utilize this scale and its dimensions for purposes such as tourism product development and policy creation.

A higher-order life crafting scale validation using PLS-CCA: the Italian version

In this study, we highlight Life Crafting Scale (LCS) factor structure and model specifications by using partial least squares structural equations modelling (PLS-SEM) and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA), with a sample of Italian students (n=953\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$n=953$$\\end{document}). From the validation results obtained through PLS-CCA, we identify the emergence of both the reflective nature of the scores of the LCS subscale and an alternative measurement model of the LCS scores as a second-order reflective–reflective model.

Marketing Crisis Management and Hotel Performance: Evidence from Hotels in Mombasa County, Kenya

Purpose: Tourism is crucial in driving economies and preserving cultural heritage worldwide. The sustainability of tourist destinations depends on their ability to effectively manage and recover from marketing crises that can damage their attractiveness and reputation. Despite the allure of tourist destinations, they are susceptible to various marketing crises, challenging their hospitality industries and local economies. These crises can disrupt visitor flows and tarnish reputations. This study explored the impacts of marketing crisis management practices on hotel performance in Mombasa County, Kenya, within a global context of vulnerable tourist destinations.
 Methodology: This study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) embedded in the causal-comparative research design to explore the relationship between marketing crisis management practices and hotel performance. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to management staff in 18 star-rated hotels in Mombasa County. Confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) validated the measurement models, and demographics were considered as potential influencers on the relationship. Data were presented in Table format and interpreted using percentages.
 Findings: The findings revealed that communication and public relations (β = 0.417, p < 0.05), marketing strategy adjustment (β = 0.336, p < 0.05), and reputation management (β = 0.186, p < 0.05) significantly and positively affected hotel performance. The three combined practices explained 75.1% of the variance in hotel performance. Based on these findings, hotels in Mombasa County and the broader Kenyan hospitality industry must prioritize effective communication and public relations, agile marketing strategy adjustment, and proactive reputation management as integral components of their crisis management strategies to enhance resilience, foster customer loyalty, and maintain competitiveness, especially in times of crises, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
 Recommendations: Effective communication and public relations positively impact hotel performance by fostering emotional connections, repeat business, and positive reviews. Dynamic marketing strategy adjustment enhances resilience and adaptability, attracting safety-conscious and adventurous travelers. Reputation management safeguards trust, credibility, and customer loyalty, mitigating negative perceptions during crises. Combining these practices contributes to substantial positive impacts on hotel performance.

Achieving SMEs’ excellence: scale development of Islamic entrepreneurship from business and spiritual perspectives

PurposeThis paper investigates the effect of Islamic entrepreneurship on small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) business performance and the development of a framework to comprehensively investigate Islamic entrepreneurship to achieve competitive business advantages. Islamic entrepreneurship was measured through the Islamic entrepreneurial model, which is based on two unobserved constructs: business and spiritual perspectives. These two constructs were used as predictors of business performance. This paper aims to develop a new scale of Islamic entrepreneurship from business and spiritual perspectives to achieve SMEs’ successful business performance.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 189 Muslim respondents were involved and analyzed their responses using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory composite analysis.FindingsThe empirical findings proved that the Islamic entrepreneurial scale with two perspectives is an absolute measure. Besides, the predictive validity findings revealed that business (i.e. trustworthiness, honesty and truthfulness) and spiritual perspectives of Islamic entrepreneurship (i.e. Taqwa, good intention and respecting religious obligations) positively affected SMEs’ business performance.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study lies in expanding the existing research, developing a measurement scale and empirically testing the Islamic entrepreneurship model. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that contributes to the Islamic entrepreneurship literature in the SME context and offers new avenues for potential researchers. The new scale will allow SMEs to understand the halal and haram concepts in more depth and apply the Islamic rules and principles with full spirit.

Digital marketing adoption by small travel agencies: a comprehensive PLS-SEM model using reflective and higher-order formative constructs

PurposeThis study examines the vital factors that influence digital marketing adoption among small travel agencies (brick-and-mortar) and the impact of digital marketing adoption on organizational performance modeled as a formative-formative HOC.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical study builds on diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework to identify the factors of digital marketing adoption by small travel agencies. Data were collected from 226 small travel agents in India using purposive and snowball sampling. Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the reflectively and formatively measured constructs.FindingsThe findings reveal significant constructs of digital marketing adoption by small travel agencies. The study also establishes the positive impact of digital marketing adoption on organizational performance. Trust partially mediates the impact of technological factors (relative advantage, security concerns) and organizational factor (knowledge) on digital marketing adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides methodological contribution to the literature by applying confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) approach in PLS-SEM. The study contributes to the literature by integrating DOI theory and TOE framework. The study enriches the literature on trust as it recognizes the crucial role of trust as a mediating construct.Practical implicationsThe study provides useful implications to marketing practitioners of small travel agencies. The study shows strong predictive capacity and can be generalized throughout diverse samples.Originality/valueThe study adds value to the literature as it explores the digital marketing adoption among the under researched small travel agencies by integrating DOI-TOE theory. The study uniquely proposes and validates organizational performance as a formative-formative higher-order construct.