Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

The effects of game mechanics on user retention in using social live streaming services

PurposeSocial live streaming services (SLSS) have infused gamification into interface design and feature applications. Firms adopt gamification mechanisms to win customer loyalty in the live streaming and SLSS markets. Based on the mechanics-dynamics-aesthetics (MDA) framework and uses and gratifications 2.0 theory (UGT 2.0), this study aims to investigate the effects of game mechanics (mechanics) on enjoyment and user retention (aesthetics) through rewards and social interaction (dynamics) in the context of SLSS.Design/methodology/approachThis study used an online survey via Google Forms, SurveyCake and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Line to collect data from 232 SLSS users in Taiwan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyze the data.FindingsThe results validated the relationships between game mechanics and dynamic elements (rewards and social interaction) that triggered aesthetic elements (enjoyment feelings) among users. In addition, users experienced a sense of enjoyment that led to usage retention when using the gamified SLSS. Further, this study found enjoyment crucial for users to stay interactive with gamified services.Originality/valueDriven by UGT 2.0, this study closed the gaps by integrating the MDA framework into the SLSS context and better understanding how game mechanics are connected to rewards and social interaction, leading to enjoyment and user retention when using SLSS. This study provides fresh insights into gamification-oriented SLSS practices. It offers significant theoretical and managerial implications and provides guidelines for SLSS platform operators on fostering user retention.

MOTIVATING FOR INNOVATING: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REGULATORY FOCUS AND WORKPLACE INNOVATION

Understanding employee motivation is central to fostering workplace innovation (WPI) within firms for enhanced quality of working life and work performance. This research examines the relationship between WPI and the promotion and prevention orientations for motivation proposed by regulatory focus theory (RFT). Survey responses from 309 service industry employees and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) aid in empirically assessing this relationship. Survey results indicate a positive relationship between the promotion focus of RFT and the dimensions of WPI, but not the prevention focus. The study also finds empirical support for the relationship between regulatory focus and the innovative climate of service industry firms. Guided by these findings, this study encourages managers to savvily work on workplace climate-based development and promotion-based organisational designs for initiatives and action plans that foster WPI.

Role of influencer–follower congruence in influencing followers’ food choices and brand advocacy: mediating role of perceived trust

PurposeThis study attempts to encapsulate the idea of influencer marketing in the food sector and the vital role played by food influencers in shaping the dietary preferences, tastes and decisions of their social media followers and turning them into brand advocates.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey of 383 social media users, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was undertaken to validate the proposed research design. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology was used to analyze the data and test the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results confirm the validity and reliability of the research model. The research revealed the positive influence of influencer–follower demographics and attitude congruence on followers’ food choices, which in turn leads to followers’ delight and significantly impacts their brand advocacy. It also depicts how followers’ perceived trust in an influencer mediates the relationship between their similarity with the influencers, their food choices and brand advocacy.Originality/valueThe study proposes a new theoretical framework and empirically tests the effectiveness of influencer marketing in influencing social media users’ food choice behavior and brand advocacy through the medium of followers’ congruence with social media influencers. The findings offer noteworthy theoretical and managerial implications for academicians as well as marketing practitioners.

Assessing the role of organizational strategic factors in stimulating green innovation performance: moderating effects of green absorptive capacity

PurposeThis study investigates the interaction between organizational strategic factors (Leadership and management support [LMS] and green learning orientation [GLO]) and green innovation performance (GIP), through the lens of resource-based view (RBV) theory. It examines both the direct and indirect impacts of these factors on GIP via green knowledge management (GKM), and explores how green absorptive capacity (GAC) enhances these relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and moderated mediation analysis, we analyzed responses from 419 individuals across 154 manufacturing firms in Pakistan to understand these dynamics.FindingsResults show that LMS and GLO significantly affect GIP, both directly and indirectly, through GKM. Furthermore, GAC intensifies the impact of GLO on GKM and the influence of GKM on GIP, indicating a moderated mediation effect.Practical implicationsHighlighting the importance of LMS, GLO, GKM, and GAC, the study suggests that focusing on these areas can help firms align their strategies with sustainability goals, enhancing their GIP. These insights can guide policymakers in creating supportive strategies for businesses to improve their GAC, facilitating better knowledge adoption and application.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the RBV theory by clarifying the role of strategic organizational factors in enhancing GIP within manufacturing firms, offering a clearer path to achieving sustainability goals.

How do institutional dimensions of open government data affect innovation? Evidence from research institutes in China

PurposeThis study investigates the individual and binary (i.e. combined) effects of institutional dimensions of open government data (which include instructional, structural and accessible rules) on scientific research innovation, as well as the mediating roles that researchers' perceived data usefulness and data capability play in between.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 1,092 respondents, this study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and polynomial regression with response surface analysis to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of individual and binary institutional dimensions on scientific research innovation.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that instructional, structural and restricted access data have a positive effect on scientific research innovation in the individual effect. While the binary effect of institutional dimensions produces varying degrees of scientific research innovation. Furthermore, this study discovers that the perceived usefulness and data capability of researchers differ in the mediating effect of institutional dimensions on scientific research innovation.Originality/valueTheoretically, this study contributes new knowledge on the causal links between data publication institutions and innovation. Practically, the research findings offer government data managers timely suggestions on how to build up institutions to foster greater data usage.

Impact of innovation, entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial leadership on supply chain resilience in handicraft industry: moderating role of supply chain orientation

PurposeThe study aims to explore dynamic capabilities such as innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, absorptive capability, and the dimension of entrepreneurial orientation in the handicraft sector to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation during unprecedented times. This study also used innovation as a mediating construct and supply chain orientation as a moderating construct.Design/methodology/approachWe gathered data from the handicraft sector in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) in India using a pretested questionnaire. We used variance-based partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test our research hypotheses.FindingsOur study indicates that to enhance innovation and improve supply chain resilience, firms should focus on developing dynamic capabilities such as entrepreneurial leadership, absorptive capacity, artificial intelligence (AI), innovativeness, risk-taking ability, and protectiveness. The study highlights the significant role of dynamic capabilities in the handicraft sector during times of crisis, enabling innovation and resilience to risk.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the significant role of dynamic capabilities in the handicraft sector during times of crisis, enabling innovation and resilience to risk.Originality/valueThis study provides significant insights into the current understanding of dynamic capability theory and supply chain orientation and expands upon the existing literature in this field. It comprehensively analyses the latest research and advances knowledge in this area.

Effects of training needs assessment in enhancing employees’ skills and firm performance

PurposeWork-based learning is critical for enhancing employees’ skills and contributing to the firm’s performance. This paper aims to establish the effects of needs assessment on the relationship between training intensity as part of learning and how employees’ skills are reflected in firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used the World Bank Tanzania Employees Skills Survey (TESS) dataset, which contains 424 firms. This paper estimated the moderated mediation model through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and employed the index of moderated mediation to determine if the model was correctly specified.FindingsThe results show that among three skills, i.e. technical, interpersonal/communication and work ethic skills, only the level of technical skills mediated the relationship between training and the firm’s performance. The index of moderated mediation suggests a threshold point for the firm’s training needs, above which the indirect effect of training on performance through technical skills starts to decrease. The negative correlation between the firm’s training needs and the indirect effect suggests that employees’ essential human capital qualities, viewed from the angle of their training needs, are among the key factors for executing effective training.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper’s conceptual model is limited because it does not incorporate an education variable for the trained employees. In addition, it only conceptualized the perceived most important skills of interpersonal communication, technical skills and work ethic, despite there being other skills that could have been considered. Moreover, the data only measured the present skill level at three on the Likert scale, providing limited room for skill level variance.Practical implicationsThose who decide which training programme deserves priority given limited resources and the firm’s goals need to understand that training is an addition to what their employees already have and, thus, should make extra efforts to equip them with more knowledge relating to their assignments. Moreover, this understanding should extend to the employees themselves.Originality/valueThe paper introduced and showed the necessity of training needs assessment to increase the value of training in enhancing the firm’s performance. We propose a model for assessing training intensity through process analysis. The respective model depicts a threshold point for the firm’s training needs, below which the training will work.

The Influence of Quality of Work Life on Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of Burnout, Supervisor Support, and Career Identity

This study aims to explore the relationship between burnout, supervisor support, career identity, quality of work life, and work engagement among nurses at Indriati Solo Baru Hospital, Sukoharjo, Central Java, Indonesia. A quantitative research method was employed, including descriptive analysis and Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) analysis, using the SmartPLS application. The findings indicate that burnout and supervisor support are significantly correlated with the level of work engagement, while career identity exerts a strong influence on work engagement. Moreover, quality of work life is proven to play a crucial role as a mediator in the relationship between these variables. The practical implications of this study emphasize the importance of prioritizing the quality of work life, providing leadership training for supervisors, and developing employees' career identities to enhance work engagement

The linkages among environmental dynamism, dynamic capability and competitive advantage: Significant implication for retail development

This study simultaneously examined the linkages among environmental dynamism, three dynamic capabilities, and the competitive advantages of retail businesses, which have not been identified before. Furthermore, this study fills the significant gaps in the literature and practical guidelines for retail development through improving retailer’s dynamic capabilities in response to environmental dynamism. The study used a quantitative approach by partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypotheses. Data were collected from 304 Vietnamese retail business managers. The results show that environmental dynamism plays a significant role in fostering the improvement of retailers’ dynamic capabilities. The findings also reveal positive linkages among the three dynamic capabilities before they significantly improve retailers’ competitive advantage. These are the valuable guidelines for retailers to nurture their dynamic capabilities, including service innovation capabilities, multi-channel integration, and brand orientation for sustaining their competitive advantages.

Factors associated with patient satisfaction and behavioral intention by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)

Factors associated with patient satisfaction and behavioral intention by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)

The role of stable coins in mitigating volatility in cryptocurrency markets

This study aims to analyze the link between Perceived Volatility Reduction (PVR), Risk Perception, Stablecoin Usage Frequency, Market Confidence, and Stablecoin Adoption (SA). The primary goal is to determine if and to what degree these variables impact stablecoin adoption. We created a questionnaire to gather information from 198 Malaysians. To analyze the research model and test the hypotheses, the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method was utilized. According to the findings, there is a strong and positive association between Perceived Volatility Reduction (PVR) and Stablecoin Adoption (SA). Market players are more likely to adopt stablecoins if they perceive them as useful instruments for mitigating the severe price volatility inherent in traditional cryptocurrencies. This finding emphasizes the importance of risk perception and market stability in driving market behavior. Trust in stablecoin systems, transparency, and regulatory, compliance influenced PVR and SA. The study's findings underscore the significance of perceived volatility reduction (PVR) in driving stablecoin adoption (SA), highlighting the importance of risk perception and market stability. Trust in stablecoin systems, transparency, and regulatory compliance emerge as crucial factors influencing PVR and SA. These insights offer valuable guidance for investors navigating the cryptocurrency market, governments managing stablecoin supply, and scholars studying trust dynamics in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Influence Of Brand Image And Customer Trust On Customer Loyalty Through Customer Satisfaction With Gender As A Moderation Variable

This study aims to investigate the impact of brand image and customer trust on customer loyalty, mediated via customer satisfaction. Gender is employed as an independent variable to mitigate the impact of brand image and customer trust variables on customer loyalty. This study utilized data from 250 respondents who completed a questionnaire issued to BSI customers in the Malang Raya area. Purposive sampling and proportional random sampling are two distinct methods used for sampling. A proportional random sampling method was employed to ensure that the percentage of respondents from Malang City, Malang Regency, and Batu City was maintained. The research used the Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) approach. These data indicate that brand image and customer satisfaction substantially impact customer loyalty. However, customer trust does not have a significant effect on customer loyalty. Moreover, the brand's image and the level of consumer trust notably impact customer satisfaction. The findings of this study indicate that customer satisfaction serves as an intermediary variable that influences brand image and consumer trust, ultimately affecting customer loyalty. In addition, gender cannot reduce the impact of brand image and customer trust.

Conceptualising the effects of green supply chain on firms’ propensity for responsible waste disposal practices in emerging markets

ABSTRACT This study examines how green supply chain management (GSCM) in emerging markets affects firms’ waste disposal practices in Thailand’s dynamic economy. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we examined 320 Thai SMEs’ survey data to understand GSCM. The research reveals two key findings: A strong positive correlation exists between green supplier initiatives and green manufacturing processes, with suppliers’ sustainable efforts accounting for 27.2% of the variance in green practices (r-square = 0.272). This shows how much green supplier engagement affects manufacturing. Green distribution plays a significant role in promoting customer cooperation in the green economy, explaining 48.9% of the variance in customer engagement with sustainable practices (r-square = 0.489). Green supplier and distribution practices significantly impact waste disposal, but green manufacturing and customer cooperation fall short of anticipated impacts. Green supplier cooperation is essential for green manufacturing but does not directly lead to effective waste disposal, suggesting a disconnection and the potential for more integrated approaches. Green distribution helps meet customer demand for sustainable practices. This divergence suggests a potential oversight in GSCM implementation, emphasizing the need to integrate GSCM considerations into emerging market firms’ strategic frameworks and strategic policy interventions to improve waste disposal practices through GSCM adoption.

Blockchain technology system on student academic performance in higher education as perceived by students in Portugal

ABSTRACT This study conceptually identified the most influential factors from previous studies, which were extracted and classified into contexts based on the technology acceptance model and expectation confirmation theory framework. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of blockchain system perceived quality and perceived usability on student academic performance (SAP) through the mediating role of student satisfaction and the moderating role of continuance intention. The convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 583 students studying in different private and public universities in Portugal. Hypotheses were tested using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS software version 4. The findings revealed that the direct effect of blockchain system perceived quality on SAP is positive and significant, while perceived usability is not significant. Moreover, student satisfaction positively and significantly mediates the relationship between perceived quality and SAP, as well as between perceived usability and SAP. Lastly, continuance intention as a moderator has a positive and significant influence on student satisfaction and SAP. The relationship between blockchain system perceived quality, perceived usability on SAP represents a novel contribution through the mediation of student satisfaction and the moderation of continuance intention between student satisfaction and SAP.

Unveiling the Power of Adaptive InformationTechnology: A Catalyst for Elevating SME Performance in Indonesia – A Case Study in Malang City

This research seeks to comprehend the impact of information technology (IT) utilization on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malang. The study investigates the perceptions of SMEs stakeholders through a survey involving 90 SMEs respondents in Malang. Employing a questionnaire and utilizing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method for data analysis, the research reveals positive and significant outcomes for latent variables such as performance expectations, business expectations, social influence, hedonic motivation, and habits concerning SMEs behavior in adopting information technology, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2). However, the latent variable of price value does not exert a significant influence on SMEs behavioral interest in adopting information technology. Additionally, SMEs behavioral interest positively and significantly influences their usage behavior in utilizing information technology, and the subsequent usage behavior has a positive and significant effect on SME performance.

A holistic analysis of Chinese sponge city cases by region: Using PLS-SEM models to understand key factors impacting LID performance

Sponge city is a national sustainable stormwater management program proposed by the Chinese government to deal with urban water issues (e.g., flooding, poor water quality) brought on by climate change and urbanization. Various strategies for sponge city construction are required since environmental constraints differ regionally across the country. To identify regional variations, reveal the inner links between externalities and design elements in sponge city construction, and offer practical suggestions, efforts in two directions are made based on the data of 68 sponge city cases around China: 1) discussing design parameters of four Low Impact Development (LID) facilities, including bioretention cell, permeable pavement, grass swale, and sunken green space, under four regionalization maps of hydrologic, climatic, landform and soil texture factors, and 2) building a holistic Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) model illustrating the relationship between local characteristics, LID system design, and LID system performance in sponge city construction. The results show that: 1) rainfall and landform factors have great impact on LID facilities design, as their depths tend to be higher in water rich areas and coastal areas. 2) LID types and areas are positively influenced (+0.745) by the total area and permeable portion of a project, while the LID system performance (water quantity and quality control) is negatively impacted (−0.407) by the rainfall amount and clay fraction. 3) comprehensive LIDs choice instead of single LID facility shows more significant effect on improving LID system performance. It is recommended to establish different design standards and assessment indexing systems tailored to local environment when constructing sponge city projects.

Analysis of Lake Area Dynamics and Driving Forces in the Jianghan Plain Based on GEE and SEM for the Period 1990 to 2020

The lakes of Jianghan Plain, as an important component of the water bodies in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River plain, have made significant contributions to maintaining the ecological health and promoting the sustainable development of the Jianghan Plain. However, there is a relatively limited understanding regarding the trends of lake area change for different types of lakes and their dominant factors over the past three decades in the Jianghan Plain. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, combined with the water body index method, the changes in area of three different types of lakes (area > 1 km2) in the Jianghan Lake Group from 1990 to 2020 were extracted and analyzed. Additionally, the Partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was utilized to analyze the driving factors affecting the changes in water body area of these lakes. The results show that from 1990 to 2020, the area of the lakes of the wet season and level season exhibited a decreasing trend, decreasing by 893.1 km2 and 77.9 km2, respectively. However, the area of dry season lakes increased by 59.27 km2. The areas of all three types of lakes reached their minimum values in 2006. According to the PLS-SEM results, the continuous changes in the lakes’ area are mainly controlled by environmental factors overall. Furthermore, human factors mainly influence the mutation of the lakes’ area. This study achieved precise extraction of water body areas and accurate analysis of driving factors, providing a basis for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes in the lakes of Jianghan Plain, which is beneficial for the rational utilization and protection of water resources.

Inducing shoppers’ impulsive buying tendency in live-streaming: integrating signaling theory with social exchange theory

PurposeThe increasing popularity of live-streaming commerce has provided a new opportunity for e-retailers to boost sales. This study integrated signaling theory and social exchange theory to investigate how streamer- and product-centered signals influence customers’ likelihood of making an impulsive purchase in the live-streaming commerce context.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was designed and distributed to the target respondents in China using purposive sampling. A total of 735 valid responses were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsBoth streamer-centered signals, i.e. streamer credibility and streamer interaction quality, were discovered to significantly influence product-centered signal, i.e. product information quality. Additionally, streamer interaction quality was found to have a significant impact on streamer credibility. Furthermore, it was observed that customer engagement played a significant mediating role in the relationship between product information quality and impulsive buying tendency. Moreover, the paths between product information quality and customer engagement, as well as the connection between engagement and impulsive buying tendency, were found to be moderated by guanxi orientation.Originality/valueDespite the prevalence of impulsive purchases in live-streaming commerce, few studies have empirically investigated the impact of streamer and product signals on influencing customers’ impulsive purchase decisions. Consequently, to the best of our knowledge, this study distinguishes itself by offering empirical insights into how streamers use reciprocating relationship mechanisms to communicate signals that facilitate impulsive purchase decisions.

Technology Acceptance Model for Smartphone Use in Higher Education

Context. The technology acceptance model (TAM) is a theoretical framework that consists of perceived usefulness (PUS), perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude toward using (ATT), behavioral intention to use (USI), and actual system use. Here, actual system use is posed by the smartphone use in higher education (SHE) described such as student self-management (MNG), student learning results (LRS), student achievements perceptions (SFB), student cost-benefits perceptions (VCB), and student expectations (EXP) that help to understand and explain how students’ acceptance and adoption of smartphone technology could be better achieved. Nowadays, after the COVID-19 pandemic, student motivation (MTV) and student quality perceptions (SQY) are two factors that reinforce the TAM model. Problem. The research confronts challenges from the dynamic and rapidly changing technology and education environments. The post-COVID-19 era introduces uncertainties, potentially affecting the TAM-SHE model's long-term sustainability. The fluidity of student preferences and technological advancements obstruct the establishment of a universally applicable framework for smartphone acceptance in education. This raises concerns about the model's adaptability and generalizability across diverse educational settings, emphasizing the careful consideration of evolving factors. Therefore, the following research question is proposed: What is the TAM for SHE empirical framework as an innovative tool? Purpose. The research aims to explore students' acceptance of smartphone technology in education using the technology acceptance model (TAM), focusing on perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitude, intention, and actual system use within smartphone use in higher education (SHE) in the context of post-COVID-19 era, the study considers student motivation (MTV) and student quality perceptions (SQY) as crucial factors enhancing the TAM-SHE framework. Methodology. We determined the following steps: Step 1. A qualitative study based on the Delphi Panel-Focus Group and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the questionnaire TAM-SHE among three specialists: 1 information technology expert, 1 information technology professor, and 1 university student related to TAM for SHE and questioned about the items and factors related to the preliminary questionnaire design. Step 2. A literature review to explain the items and factors for the questionnaire (ex-ante) proposal involved in the design will be applied to more than 523 Mexican university students in the second semester of 2023. Step 3. Once all the data in the questionnaires had been collected were probed regarding the Cronbach Alpha reliability. A quantitative study on confirmatory factor analysis based on partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SMART PLS (4.0.9.8) was used to probe convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity for the final conceptual TAM-SHE framework. Theoretical and practical findings. We propose a robust empirical TAM-SHE framework able to explain and predict how their factors enhance smartphone use in higher education. Transdisciplinary and sustainable innovation originality. The utilization of smartphones in higher education contributes to sustainable development by reducing educational disparities between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, mobile learning aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG4, by advancing sustainable quality higher education. Furthermore, it facilitates worldwide access to education, promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment Conclusions and limitations. For the post-COVID pandemic era, more studies are necessary to verify the new student motivations (MTV), student quality perceptions (SQY), and the actual system use factors to facilitate mobile technology in use for higher education through the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Motivational push and pull factors influencing intentions to revisit Jordan as a MICE destination

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of push and pull factors on the intentions of international participants to revisit MICE events held in Amman, given that there are very few existing studies on the topic. This research is quantitative and employs a questionnaire method to collect data. For data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to test the research hypothesis with a purposive sample of 479 international visitors who had attended 14 MICE events held in Amman in 2022. The study revealed that networking opportunities, educational opportunities, destination image, travel cost, destination attraction and accessibility have a significant positive impact on revisit intentions. In terms of implications, these findings contribute to enriching push and pull theory in this context among MICE participants. In practical terms, the findings contribute to empowering planners, managers, marketers and organizers in the MICE industry in terms of creating and promoting effective strategies related to MICE tourism. The findings are anticipated to be useful for conference organizers, enabling them to attract repeat participants in this extremely competitive event industry.