Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Leadership in Fintech Builds Trust and Reduces Vulnerability More When Combined with Leadership in Sustainability

Financial technology (Fintech) and sustainability are two of the main drivers in the transformation of many organizations. New innovative technologies create new services for consumers. The focus on sustainability is a necessary reaction to the many challenges faced by organizations and, more broadly, society. The motivation to support these is, therefore, clear, but not all organizations move forward on both with the same enthusiasm. Leaders in Fintech do not always prioritize operating in a sustainable way. It is, therefore, important to explore and identify the synergies between Fintech and sustainability. One important aspect of this transformation is the consumers’ perspective, particularly the trust they have, their personal information privacy concerns, and the vulnerability they feel. It is important to clarify whether leadership in Fintech, with sustainability leadership, is more beneficial than leadership in Fintech on its own. This research evaluates consumers’ trust, privacy concerns, and vulnerability in the two scenarios separately and then compares them. Survey data is analyzed using Partial-Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Multi-group Analysis (MGA). The findings show that leadership in both Fintech and sustainability builds trust more, which in turn reduces vulnerability more. Privacy concerns are lower when sustainability leadership and Fintech leadership come together; however, their combined impact was not found to be sufficiently statistically significant in this study.

The role of financial literacy in enhancing firm’s sustainable performance through Fintech adoption: a moderated mediation analysis

Purpose This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between financial literacy, digital transformation, Fintech adoption, competitiveness and sustainable firm performance, particularly focusing on how financial literacy empowers firms in the evolving digital landscape. Leveraging technological innovation systems (TIS) and resource-based view (RBV), this research suggests a model that incorporates these concepts, focusing on the moderating role of financial literacy in essential interactions. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a survey-based methodology, collecting data from employees across five major Pakistani banks. The survey yielded 426 responses, from which 387 valid ones were selected for analysis. The analysis utilized partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), complemented by the Hayes Process Model for moderated mediation analysis. This approach ensured robust examination of the relationships between the constructs of the proposed model. Findings The study's findings validate that digital transformation significantly enhances sustainable performance, with Fintech adoption and competitiveness acting as crucial mediators. Financial literacy is highlighted as a key moderator, influencing the effects of digital transformation on Fintech adoption and competitiveness, although its direct impact on sustainable performance is less pronounced. This comprehensive analysis underscores the complex interplay among these factors in driving sustainable performance in the banking sector. Originality/value This research enriches the theoretical and practical comprehension of how digital transformation and Fintech integration, underpinned by financial literacy, bolster sustainable business outcomes. It sheds light on the synergy between technology, strategy and organizational success, offering key insights for the banking industry's navigation through the digital era's challenges.

Examining cross-cultural patterns in customer citizenship behavior: A cross-cultural exploration between Turkish and British airline passengers

Customer citizenship behavior (CCB) refers to actions that provide value to companies, such as offering feedback, being patient with disruptions, and assisting other customers. This is especially important in the airline industry, where services are provided collectively in a shared environment. Recognizing that the factors influencing CCB might differ based on national culture is crucial, particularly for the international operations of the airline industry. However, the impact of national culture on shaping CCB in this industry remains unclear. Using three theoretical lenses, namely expectation confirmation theory (ECT), social exchange theory (SET), and cultural dimensions theory (CDT), this study aims to investigate how national culture affects the formation of CCB through the proposed conceptual model. To achieve this, the study gathered responses from 743 passengers—both Turkish (n = 323) and British (n = 420)—using a structured web-based questionnaire. The analysis employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multigroup analysis (MGA). The results indicated that factors like service quality and value for money have a positive influence on customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction has a positive impact on behaviors such as giving feedback, advocating for the company, assisting others, and being patient with disruptions. The proposed relationships are also mediated by value for money and customer satisfaction. This study stands as the first effort to investigate how national culture moderates the formation of CCB in the context of the airline industry.

Unveiling the path to green innovation: the interplay of green learning orientation, knowledge management capability and manufacturing firm’s capability to orchestrate resources

Purpose Amidst the increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, manufacturing firms seek to integrate eco-conscious practices into their innovation processes. This study aims to explore the intricate relationships between green learning orientation (GLO), knowledge management capability (KMC), resource orchestration capability (ROC) and two dimensions of green innovation (GI): green product innovation (GPDI) and green process innovation. Design/methodology/approach Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and moderated mediation techniques were used to investigate the relationships among the constructs using data gathered from a survey of 167 manufacturing firms in the United Arab Emirates. Findings This study indicates that GLO significantly influences GPDI and green process innovation. Although KMC mediates the relationship between GLO and process innovation, it does not mediate the GPDI relationship. Moreover, ROC significantly strengthens the links between GLO, KMC and both the aspects of GI. Practical implications This study emphasises the importance of fostering a green learning culture and integrating it into product development without complex knowledge management systems. This study also highlighted the role of effective resource allocation in maximising environmental learning benefits for sustainable innovation. Organisations can achieve environmental progress by integrating green knowledge into product and process development and by investing in sustainable practices. Originality/value By examining various mechanisms involving moderation and mediation, this study has made a notable contribution to advancing the field of knowledge-based view theory. This study also offers enhanced insights into the interconnections among GLO, knowledge management capability, ROC and a firm’s capacity for GI.

Digital Platforms as Enablers of MSMEs' Business Model Innovation: Revealing the Role of Capability Reconfigurations

This study aims to examine the impact of digital platforms on business model innovation within the MSME sector in Indonesia, addressing the contextual limitations found in previous study. Utilizing a comprehensive study design, this study investigates the roles of digital platform adoption, evolutionary capability reconfiguration, and substitutional capability reconfiguration in driving business model innovation. The study methods included hypothesis testing through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on data collected from MSMEs in Sleman, Yogyakarta. The results reveal that while digital platform adoption alone does not directly enhance business model innovation, it significantly influences capability reconfiguration. Specifically, substitutional reconfiguration plays a critical role in transforming business models by integrating new, more efficient capabilities. Conversely, evolutionary reconfiguration, despite being influenced by digital platforms, does not have an immediate significant impact on business model innovation. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of dynamic capabilities, highlighting the importance of substitutional reconfiguration for rapid and significant innovation. Practically, the study provides valuable insights for MSME owners and managers on leveraging digital platforms to enhance their value chains and drive business model innovation, ensuring sustainability and competitive advantage in the digital age.

Beyond Intuition: The Role of Financial Knowledge in Navigating Investments in Emerging Markets

Over the last century, global stock markets have crashed multiple times, leading to bankruptcy and unemployment and making individuals highly cautious about investing. Hence, individual investors in developing markets are highly prone to behavioural biases in their investment decisions, which influence their investment experience. The objective of this study is to examine the relationships between behavioural factors and investment experience, as well as the moderating effect of financial knowledge on individual investors in Bangladesh. Data was analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results revealed that behavioural factors such as anchoring, gambler’s fallacy, social interaction, and locus of control significantly influenced individual investors’ investment experiences. Moreover, financial knowledge had a moderating effect on these relationships. The study has important implications for investors, as it highlights the potential pitfalls of behavioural factors and the importance of financial knowledge in investors’ investment experience. The study’s findings imply that the government should develop new market opportunities through innovative products and take the necessary steps to incorporate regulations that will offer investors a better market experience.

Human Resource Management Factors in Financial Analysis of Securities Companies

The outcomes of financial analysis serve as the basis for crucial decision-making in business operations. However, many small-scale securities companies tend to overlook this aspect. This study aims to investigate the relationship between financial analysis activities and business outcomes of small-scale securities companies in Vietnam. Data were collected from 92 respondents working in 27 small-scale securities companies (with owner equity of less than 250 billion Vietnamese Dong), holding positions such as management (directors, assistant directors, financial directors, chief accountants) and staff (financial and accounting personnel) involved in financial and accounting operations of Vietnamese securities companies. Sampling was conducted selectively from September 2023 to December 2023. Utilizing quantitative research, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was employed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 software. Results indicate that Financial Analysis Method (MAF) and Financial Analysis Content (variable FAC) positively influence financial analysis activities of small securities companies. Recommendations to enhance securities companies' business outcomes include (i) employing the EVA technique in financial analysis, (ii) improving management capabilities in financial report analysis, (iii) enhancing the skills of accounting and financial staff, and (iv) applying and operating professional ethical principles.

Characterization and Expression Analysis of Sugar Transporters through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) Revealed Their Role in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important economic crops in the world. By controlling the transport and distribution of photosynthetic products between cells and organs, sugar transporters are widely involved in growth and development, environmental adaptation, and microbial interactions. The present study was carried out at the genome-wide level to systematically characterize sugar transporters. As a result, 50 MST, 3 SUT, and 29 SWEET genes were identified and classified. The expression pattern of sugar transporters in pepper was analyzed by transcriptomic data. The expression properties of sugar transporters were further explored in pepper varieties with significant differences in weight, shape, and pungency. It was shown that the pepper sugar transporter genes had obvious spatiotemporal specific expression characteristics and exhibited variety-specific expression preferences. We focus on analyzing candidate genes that may be involved in fruit development and expansion. We further explore the response of pepper sugar transporters to adversity stress using a structural equation model. Finally, we found that the MST, SUT, and SWEET families are collectively involved in balancing pepper resistance to abiotic stress by coordinating the expression strengths of different family members. Our study may contribute to the functional study of pepper sugar transporter genes and create the prospect of utilizing sugar transporter gene resources to improve pepper variety.

A sequential mediation model for the effect of food safety consciousness on the intention to purchase organic food

This research aims to clarify consumer purchase intentions (PIs) for organic food (OF) in China by investigating factors, including consumers’ food safety consciousness (FSC), health consciousness (HC), and attitude (AT) toward OF. To collect data for this study, online surveys were carried out sequentially among 350 respondents, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses regarding the direct and indirect effect of FSC on PI and the sequential mediating effect of HC and AT. The findings indicate that consumers’ FSC strongly influences their intention to purchase OF and is sequentially mediated by HC and AT. PI is also significantly impacted by HC and is mediated by AT, and AT directly significantly influences PI. Through multiple group analyses, the path from HC to AT is found to be moderated by education. Accordingly, suggestions for OF businesses and future research are provided to improve public health.

Determinants of the inheritance behaviors among FELDA communities in Malaysia: A study using the PLS-SEM approach

This study aims to identify the impact of inheritance literacy, inheritance socialization, inheritance stress, and peer influence on the inheritance behaviors among FELDA communities in Malaysia. Inheritance literacy pertains to individuals’ comprehension of wealth transfer and estate planning, while peer influencer evaluates friends’ impact on inheritance attitudes; inheritance socialization explores family interactions’ role in shaping inheritance attitudes, and inheritance stress measures emotional strain in inheritance matters, with inheritance behaviors encompassing asset management and wealth transfer decisions for future generations by individuals and families. Understanding inheritance behaviors is crucial, as it helps individuals depict their inheritance knowledge and attitudes toward FELDA inheritance better, fostering a more favorable inheritance attitude. Through self-administered survey questionnaires, data related to FELDA communities are obtained using convenience sampling from 413 respondents. This study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to test the research hypotheses. The present study’s outcome confirms that two determinants, which are inheritance literacy and inheritance socialization significantly influence the inheritance behavior of FELDA communities. However, inheritance stress and peer influence determinants have statistically insignificant influence inheritance behavior. This study’s theoretical framework enriches the discussions on wealth management and financial behavior by refining and expanding upon existing financial behavior theories to incorporate inheritance-specific behaviors. The present study is exclusive in its effort to ascertain the relative importance of both inheritance behavior and the FELDA communities. This paper will assist the government, inheritance service providers, and policymakers in offering innovative economic schemes and designing policies that may enhance the inheritance behavior wellbeing of FELDA communities. This article also provides a roadmap to guide future research in this area.

The influence of financial and non‐financial factors on the adopting intentions of businesses towards circular business models: Evidence from Vietnam

AbstractThis study investigates the factors influencing intentions to adopt circular business models (CBMs) among businesses in Vietnam, a manufacturing hub in the region. To conduct the investigation, we developed a conceptual framework based on the behavioral theory of the firm and the resource‐based view, categorizing factors into two dimensions: financial and non‐financial. Through empirical analysis involving a survey of 291 businesses and employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM), we found that financial factors, including capital availability, expected economic benefits, and cost management competence, exert a stronger influence on the adoption of CBMs compared to non‐financial factors, such as stakeholder pressure, technology competence, and innovation competence. Furthermore, while several businesses are actively engaging in activities related to CBMs, managerial commitment towards full CBM adoption remains a prospective goal rather than an immediately actionable present reality. This study contributes in both theoretical and practical terms by addressing a critical research gap and quantifying the impact of financial and non‐financial factors on CBM adoption. Our findings offer valuable insights for businesses and policymakers, facilitating the promotion of circular economy and sustainable development.

Psychometric Features of the Arabic Version of the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC2).

The Children's Communication Checklist-Second Edition (CCC-2) uniquely assesses overlooked communication elements such as pragmatics and context use, which are rarely addressed by conventional language assessments. This study focuses on the psychometric assessment of the CCC-2's Arabic version, tailored to evaluate communication challenges in Arabic-speaking children. This study aims to validate the Arabic version of CCC-2 by testing its reliability and validity specifically for three higher-order constructs: Specific Language Impairment (SLI), Social Communication Disorder (SCD), and Impaired Behaviour within the Arabic-speaking population. A total of 121 participants in Saudi Arabia, showcasing diverse age and gender distributions, participated in the validation process. The study employed a Reflective-Reflective Higher-Order Construct (R-R HOC) model using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to ensure content validity and cross-cultural adaptation of the translated items. Metrics such as Cronbach's alpha for reliability and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for convergent validity were specifically examined. The study confirmed the reliability and validity of the Arabic CCC-2, demonstrating robust psychometric properties, with Cronbach's alpha and AVE scores indicating satisfactory reliability and convergent validity across constructs. Structural model evaluation further supported the strong interrelations among the constructs of SLI, SCD, and Impaired Behaviour. The results substantiate the Arabic CCC-2 as a reliable and valid tool for assessing communication challenges in Arabic-speaking children, particularly for diagnosing SLI, SCD, and Impaired Behaviour. The validated Arabic CCC-2 has significant potential for application in clinical and educational settings and suggests directions for future research to explore its utility further in diverse clinical populations.

Geographic Information Systems Adoption Model: A Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Approach

The ability of Geographic Information System (GIS) to organize, analyze, visualize and integrate spatial data has been at the top of its primary uses among professional industries. However, considering the extensive adoption of Information System (IS) throughout history for government organizations’ or citizens' disaster response, the implementation of geographical elements is still minimal. Previous GIS models and framework studies, particularly in developing countries, were affected by pandemic pressure, competitiveness pressure, change management, and security factors. Thus, this study aims to develop a model for the successful adoption of GIS using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and De Lone and Mc Lean Information Success Model and analyze the applicability of the existing factors to enhance the performance of Public Sector Organizations (PSOs). From the study, a new conceptual framework was proposed to examine the effects of factors on GIS adoption that impact performance among PSOs from the perspective of Saudi Arabia. Quantitative methods were used to collect data through a questionnaire distributed to 350 respondents from PSO, and only 272 were found to be valid. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) validated the GIS model. The finding revealed that system quality, service quality, change management, competitiveness pressure, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and security factors significantly and positively affected GIS adoption. The study also showed that GIS adoption substantially affected PSO performance. The proposed model provides insight into how GIS adoption can eventually enhance performance among PSOs. In essence, the study contributes to the running of PSO and the decisions taken by policymakers.

Key factors influencing digital learning adoption among cambodian university students: An integrated theoretical approach

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of digital learning platforms among university students in Cambodia, integrating multiple theoretical frameworks: the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Conducting a cross-sectional survey with 369 students from various institutions, this study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The findings revealed significant connections among motivational factors, perceived ease of use, usefulness, and subsequent adoption behaviours. This study contributes significantly to the global discourse on digital education, particularly from the perspective of a developing country, at a pivotal point in its educational evolution in the digital age. This highlights the importance of enhancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations among students to improve the adoption and effective use of digital learning resources, offering practical recommendations for educational stakeholders in Cambodia and similar contexts.

CD4+ T-cell subsets are associated with chronic stress effects in newly diagnosed anxiety disorders

AimPrior research has indicated a connection between CD4+ T cells and the development of anxiety, but the specific CD4+ T cell subsets linked to anxiety disorders remain uncertain. Our study seeks to investigate the relationship between distinct CD4+ T cell subsets and anxiety, as well as to explore whether CD4+ T cell subsets mediate the effect of chronic psychological stress on anxiety. Methods56 eligible matched participants were recruited in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The diagnosis was made based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The severity of anxiety and depression symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. The Life Events Scale (LES) evaluated the chronic stress level. CD4+ T cell subsets were characterized using multiparametric flow cytometry. To assess the impact of CD4+ T cells on the effect of chronic psychological stress on anxiety, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was employed. ResultsWe discovered fifteen notably distinct CD4+ T-cell subsets in anxiety disorder patients compared to healthy controls. Multiple linear regression analysis unveiled an association between anxiety severity and CD27+CD45RA− Th cells, CD27+CD28+ Tregs, and the total Life Events Scale (LES) score. The PLS-SEM analysis demonstrated that CD4+ T cell subsets and LES could explain 80.2% of the variance in anxiety. Furthermore, it was observed that CD27+CD28+ Th/Treg cells acted as inverse mediators of the effects of LES on anxiety (P = 0.031). ConclusionsDrug naïve anxiety disorder patients exhibited significant alterations in numerous CD4+ T-cell subsets. Specifically, the memory subset of CD27+CD45RA− Th cells and the naïve subset of CD27+CD28+ Treg cells were found to be independent factors associated with the severity of anxiety. Additionally, the CD27+CD28+ Th and Treg cell subsets played a significant mediating role in the influence of long-term psychological stress on anxiety.

Environmental, Social, and Governance practices on impulse buying tendency through young customer engagement

This research explores how customer engagement with the F&B brand’s dedication to social responsibility, sustainable business practices, and corporate governance influences impulsive buying. An online survey was requested, and a total of 322 participants were chosen for data analysis. To conduct statistical analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used with the SmartPLS3 program. The findings reveal that F&B brands’ ESG practices (environmental, social, and governance) influence customer engagement and impulsive buying tendency. It confirms that strong ESG efforts lead to higher customer engagement, with the social pillar having the strongest impact. Engaged customers, especially those valuing ESG, are more likely to impulsively buy products aligning with their values. Based on the results, both theoretical and practical implications are suggested to focus on social responsibility initiatives like employee well-being and diversity programs, followed by using time-sensitive marketing like limited-edition items to create urgency and boost sales.

Library resources constraints, frustration, and user behavior: An empirical library operations study.

The lack of requisite library resources has an enormous effect on academic life in most universities. While previous studies have suggested that the lack of resources such as textbooks affects academic success, this study seeks to provide empirical evidence on the chain effect of the lack of recommended textbooks in universities. The study uses a quantitative dataset from 636 students from five public universities in Ghana collected using well-structured questionnaires. The study adopts exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the measurement and structural models. The study concludes that limited library resources (such as recommended textbooks) frustrate library users and eventually birth antisocial behaviors such as stealing, hiding, and eroding books (or pages). This study highlights the significance of providing adequate library resources. It also guides library managers, policymakers, and scholars to manage library resources effectively.

Interplay of emerging industrial technologies, ambidexterity, and sustainability: The case of the textile sector

The global consumer market demands personalized products and it is quite challenging for the manufacturing industry to address the consumer requirements along with optimal production. In order to curb customization and production challenges, emerging industrial technologies (EIT) are adopted by the industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), autonomous robots (AuR), and mobile technologies (MT). However, this technological transformation may impact organizational sustainability due to EIT's higher capital investment, lack of skilled personnel to operate EIT, and EIT dependency on extensive energy consumption. In addition, EIT must resonate with the sustainable ways of production and consumption which again brings in another challenge of balancing sustainability and production. Ambidextrous practices may enable industrial stakeholders to explore and exploit this disparity. Therefore, it is required to explore the impact of EIT on organizational sustainability along with the mediation of ambidextrous practices which is a notable gap in the existing literature. The sample is taken from Pakistani textile industry to estimate the relationship between the research variables while a quantitative survey approach was adopted to collect data from textile industry professionals. The collected data from 192 respondents was analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method in SmartPLS 4. The findings reveal a differential influence of EIT on the organizational sustainability dimensions, significant impact in the case of AI, complementary mediation of OA with AuR, competitive mediation of Organizational Ambidexterity for IoT, and fully mediated by Organizational Ambidexterity for MT. The study enriches the dynamic capabilities framework, highlighting Organizational Ambidexterity as essential for effective technological integration to achieve sustainability. For practitioners and policymakers, this research offers a strategic roadmap for leveraging EIT aligned with organizational sustainability objectives, advocating for the development of ambidextrous capabilities to navigate implementation hurdles effectively.

THE SUPPORT OF PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND FRIENDS IN INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ MORAL PRACTICE

The demise of morals among students nowadays has become more rampant, and positive actions are needed to address it. This issue requires the utmost attention by related parties to ensure students possess good morals and noble values to be applied in real-life situations within the society. Nowadays, cases involving moral failures especially among the youths have been frequently brought up. The problems happened due to moral demise and no practice of good values and morals among the society. The best education begins with the role and support from parents, teachers and friends by showing the correct moral practice according to Islam religion. Thus, the objective of this paper was to identify the factor of parents, teachers and friends in influencing students’ moral practice. The survey data were collected from special primary school students in the district of Johor Bahru using stratified random sampling and analysed using partial least-squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The key findings show that parents, teachers and friends have influence towards students’ moral practice.

Contribution Of Self Determination To Encourage Student Academic Performance In Online Learning

The aim of this study is to examines the role of self-determination in encouraging student academic performance through online learning. Using TTF framewor, this study uses a quantitative approach with path analysis. The population used is Yogyakarta students while the sample used is 162 students. Analysis using partial regression analysis (Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The software used is smartPLS 3.0. The results showed that there is a mediating role of user satisfaction in the influence of student self determination on academic performance. This research shows that self-determination is a variable that higher education managers should consider when implementing online learning. This research adds a self-determination variable to the TTF framework. This is based on the phenomenon of minimal participation in online learning. This research also confirms the TTF framework on performance which has never been studied in a higher education setting. The implications of this research underscore the importance of SD as a component in online learning that higher education managers should pay attention to. The results of this study explain that SD effects AP through student satisfaction in participating in online learning