Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Big data analytics usage in the banking industry in Tanzania: does perceived risk play a moderating role on the technological factors

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) in the Tanzania banking industry by investigating the influence of technological, environmental and organizational (TOE) factors while exploring the moderating role of perceived risk (PR).Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative research design, and the research instrument was developed using per-defined measurement items adopted from prior studies; the items were slightly adjusted to fit the current context. The questionnaires were distributed to top and middle managers in selected banks in Tanzania using the snowball sampling technique. Out of 360 received responses, 302 were considered complete and valid for data analysis. The study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the developed conceptual framework.FindingsTop management support and financial resources emerged as influential organizational factors, as did competition intensity for the environmental factors. Notably, bank size and perceived trends showed no significant impacts on BDA adoption. The study's novelty lies in revealing PR as a moderating factor, weakening the link between technological readiness, perceived usefulness and the intent to adopt BDA.Originality/valueThis study extends literature by extending the TOE model, through examining the moderating roles of PR on technological factors. Furthermore, the study provides useful managerial support for the adoption of BDA in banking in emerging economies.

Exploring the resistance to e-health services in Nigeria: an integrative model based upon the theory of planned behavior and stimulus-organism-response

Despite the evident advantages of electronic health services (eHS), there is a noticeable opposition to their acceptance, which has raised a crucial question about why people, particularly in developing nations, oppose the acceptance of eHS. This study was designed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the rigid opposition to eHS by integrating two theoretical models: the Stimulus-Organism-Response theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. In our detailed survey, 543 respondents over 18 years old from various regions of Nigeria participated. We evaluated the proposed model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicated that lower health literacy was associated with a greater opposition to using eHS. In addition, communication and choice overload and perceived risk contributed to a negative attitude toward eHS. Subjective norms played a significant role in influencing the intention not to use eHS, which highlights social pressure’s effect. Further, a greater perception of behavioral control reduced the intention not to use eHS. Ultimately, the intention not to use eHS affected eHS rejection behavior significantly, which makes resistance to it a substantial problem. This research unveils factors that contribute to this behavior and provides insights for policymakers in the health field, with the goal to improve people’s acceptance of eHS. Further research is recommended in different geographical samples and contexts to gain a better understanding of the factors related to eHS rejection behavior.

The readiness and acceptance of patients with tuberculosis to use telecare

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has been a global health burden and a leading infectious killer. The evolving healthcare technology allows telecare services to improve treatment support for TB patients. However, patient readiness and acceptance to use the service still need to be discovered. Objective: To evaluate the readiness and acceptance of TB patients in using telecare services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving patients at a respiratory hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, was conducted using an accidental sampling technique from April to June 2023. A validated questionnaire was developed from the technology readiness index (TRI) and technology acceptance model (TAM) framework. Data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: A total of 188 respondents participated. Respondents had low to medium-range attitudes towards a readiness to use the telecare service. Nevertheless, the majority of the respondents accepted the idea of telecare service. Optimism and innovativeness were two significant factors influencing patient readiness to use telecare services. Respondents had a positive perception of the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the service. Conclusion: Not all patients were ready to use telecare despite their high acceptance towards the service. However, the positive perception towards the benefits of the service can be the leveraging factor for gradually adopting the service.

CyberFusion Protocols: Strategic Integration of Enterprise Risk Management, ISO 27001, and Mobile Forensics for Advanced Digital Security in the Modern Business Ecosystem

This research paper explores the integration of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), the ISO 27001 standard, and mobile forensics methodologies as a comprehensive framework for enhancing digital security measures within modern business ecosystems. Employing a quantitative research design, this paper utilized a survey methodology, gathering data from 372 professionals across various sectors including risk management, IT/security, and forensic analysis. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the research hypotheses and assess the impact of the integrated approach on organizational digital security capabilities. The findings reveal a significant positive effect of integrating ERM, ISO 27001, and mobile forensics on an organization’s ability to manage digital risks effectively. Specifically, the integrated approach was found to enhance strategic digital security management, improve the identification, assessment, and mitigation of digital risks, strengthen information security management practices, and elevate the effectiveness and efficiency of digital crime investigation processes. These outcomes underscore the value of a cohesive strategy that leverages the strengths of ERM, ISO 27001, and mobile forensics in addressing the complex and interconnected digital threat landscape. Based on the results, the study recommends adopting a holistic security framework, investing in continuous professional development, leveraging technological advancements for proactive security management, and fostering a culture of security and collaboration. Such measures are crucial for organizations aiming to enhance their resilience against cyber threats and protect their digital assets in the face of sophisticated cyber-attacks. This research contributes to the field of cybersecurity by providing empirical evidence on the benefits of an integrated approach to digital security, offering practical guidelines for organizations seeking to improve their digital security measures, and highlighting the need for continuous adaptation and collaboration in the fight against cyber threats.

Absorptive capacity for market knowledge and knowledge creation outcomes: the case of Thai SMEs

ABSTRACT Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) helps firms acquire, assimilate, and utilise new knowledge. Drawing on crucial managerial perspectives, this study employs a Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to scrutinise the various dimensions of ACAP (e.g. routines versus extra work, organisational culture, leadership, and the trustworthiness of knowledge sources) concerning market knowledge and knowledge creation outcomes (e.g. knowledge creation activities and firm’s private knowledge) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. The findings indicate that all dimensions, with the exception of extra work, contribute significantly to the augmentation of firm-specific knowledge. However, only routines and knowledge-oriented leadership demonstrate a positive association with knowledge-creation activities. The results suggested that managers and top executives of SMEs should emphasise non-financial rewards more, create knowledge learning routines, and support the learning culture to enhance the ACAP for market knowledge.

Augmented reality: the key to unlock customer engagement potential

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of customer perceptions of Augmented Reality (AR) attributes such as augmentation, interactivity and vividness on attitudes towards AR mobile apps, virtual product and behavioural intentions. Also, the mediation role of customer engagement in the effect of perceptions of AR attributes on attitudes and behavioural intentions is examined using the Theory of Interactive Media Effects.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a cross-sectional design. A total of 456 valid data were collected from the Millennials and Generation Z cohorts using purposive sampling. The conceptual framework was assessed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Partial Least Squares-Multi Group Analysis (PLS-MGA).FindingsThe research revealed that customer perceptions of AR features such as augmentation, interactivity and vividness significantly influenced customer engagement, leading to favourable attitudes towards both the AR mobile app and the Virtual product as well as behavioural intentions. Furthermore, the study substantiates the role of customer engagement as a mediator in the relationship between customer perceptions of AR attributes and both attitudinal and behavioural outcomes.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the significance of perceived augmentation as an antecedent to customer engagement and the mediating role of customer engagement on the influence of perceptions of AR attributes on attitudinal and behavioural intention.

Nexus between organizational learning capability and organization age on corporate environmental citizenship.

Many organizations around the world have prudently adopted corporate environmental citizenship. However, the corporate environmental citizenship implementation may vary from reality. Thus, this study examines corporate environmental citizenship to identify ultimate practices to create a strong premise of CEC. The study examines the influence of organizational learning capability, organization age on corporate environmental citizenship. The data were collected from 50 Malaysian construction firms using the survey questionnaire and analyzed by using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The finding revealed that organizational learning capability positively related to corporate environmental citizenship. Organization age was not found to moderate such relationships. This study establishes that organizational learning capability encourages construction firms to take risks and explore new opportunities are essential for corporate environmental citizenship implementation. This study highlights the role of organizational learning capability to achieve corporate environmental citizenship irrespective of their organization age for construction firms. This study confirms the logic of Natural Resource Based View (NRBV) theory for predicting organizational learning capability as a critical foundation to build corporate environmental citizenship.

Digital ecosystem, entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic development as enablers of digital technology entrepreneurship

AbstractThis paper analyses the digital ecosystem (DES), entrepreneurial ecosystem (EES) and economic development (ED) indicators as key determinants of digital technology entrepreneurship (DTE) across the globe. The correlation matrix depicts an important relationship between DTE, DES, EES and ED. Further, the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) results show that DES and EES have a favourable and significant influence on the establishment of digital technology entrepreneurship (DTE) globally. However, the ED, though, has a positive and significant impact on EES and DES, not directly impacting DTE. The study is useful to various stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, funding agencies, policymakers and researchers in their decision‐making process.

Leadership Behaviours and Organisational Commitment Mediated by Job Satisfaction of Academic Staff at Kyambogo University

The study examined the relationship between leadership behaviours and the organisational commitment of academic staff at Kyambogo University, mediated by job satisfaction. Specifically, the study tested the influence of leadership behaviours on organisational commitment and job satisfaction, the influence of job satisfaction on the organisational commitment of academic staff, and the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the influence of leadership behaviours on organisational commitment. Based on the three-component model by Allen and Meyer (1990), organisational commitment was studied in terms of affective, continuance, and normative commitment. The study adopted a correlational research design on a sample of 175 full-time academic staff of Kyambogo University. The study utilised a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data. Data analysis involved carrying out partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that leadership behaviours positively but insignificantly influenced job satisfaction, while job satisfaction positively and significantly influenced organisational commitment, and leadership behaviours positively and significantly influenced job satisfaction. The results also revealed that job satisfaction partially mediated the influence of leadership behaviours on organisational commitment. The study concluded that while leadership behaviours are not a prerequisite for increasing organisational commitment among academic staff members, they improve academic staff members' job satisfaction. Also, academic staff members' commitment is increased by their job satisfaction, and job satisfaction partially significantly affects the association between leadership behaviours and academic staff members' commitment. The study recommends that to improve organisational commitment, university leaders should not overfocus on leaders’ behaviours. Nevertheless, to improve job satisfaction, they should exhibit those leadership behaviours that enhance job satisfaction. Further, university leaders can improve academic staff satisfaction by implementing appropriate job satisfaction practices. Last but not least, in addition to good leadership practices, university leaders should implement appropriate job satisfaction practices to enhance academic staff members' commitment

Recycling Reinforced: The Synergistic Dynamics of Sustainable Behavior

Recent research has specifically targeted the decision-making process of eco-friendly individuals, emphasizing the significance of recycling and its impact on sustainability. Our study extends this inquiry by examining the correlation between recycling participation and pro-environmental behavior among consumers, integrating the concepts of self-efficacy, feelings of pride, and social pressure into our analysis. We utilized targeted sampling to collect data from a diverse sample of 378 participants, ensuring representation across key demographic groups. By employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we aimed to explore the intricate relationships underpinning recycling behaviors and pro-environmental actions. The results suggest that self-efficacy and feelings of pride significantly influence individuals’ recycling behaviors, highlighting the role of psychological and social factors in promoting environmental sustainability. It was concluded that social pressure did not have the expected moderating effect on increasing consumers’ feelings of pride and self-efficacy toward recycling activities. This study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms that drive pro-environmental actions, contributes to understanding sustainability promotion through recycling, and offers insights for policymakers and environmental advocates to help foster environmental responsibility and behavior change. The findings emphasize that individuals often value personal achievement and development more when addressing environmental responsibilities and that social pressure does not achieve its expected effects.

Assessing Green Practices on Eco-Friendly Hotel Customer Loyalty: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis Hybrid Approach

With a global focus on environmental sustainability, hotels worldwide are actively transitioning their services from conventional to eco-friendly practices. This study aims to comprehensively understand the factors that contribute to visitors’ satisfaction in eco-friendly hotels and how this satisfaction influences customers’ future reactions towards such environmentally conscious establishments. Employing the Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, this study collected data from 277 respondents using a robust quantitative research strategy. A combined approach of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was employed, to uncover deep insights into visitors’ satisfaction and their reactions towards eco-friendly hotels. The PLS-SEM results reveal significant associations between customers’ satisfaction towards eco-friendly hotel services and service quality, green practices, perceived value, and environmental sensitivity. Moreover, this study highlights a positive correlation between satisfaction and crucial outcomes like revisit intention (RVI), willingness to pay a premium (WTPP), and word-of-mouth intention (WOMI). Complementing these findings, the fsQCA analysis uncovers intricate causal relationships among antecedents that influence customer satisfaction in eco-friendly hotels. By offering critical marketing insights, this study provides guidance for hotels, the tourism industry, and policymakers on attracting customers to eco-friendly hotels, to meet the increasing demands for environmental sustainability.

How compulsive and impulsive buying affect consumer emotional regulation. Is anxiety a differential element?

PurposeAcademic literature calls for research on the impact of psychological states derived from mental illness on detrimental consumer behaviour. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of anxiety on the consumer’s buying processes (compulsive and impulsive) and emotional regulation.Design/methodology/approachTo carry out the statistical analysis, the data were obtained through an online survey (n = 726) of supermarket consumers. The treatment of the data was using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results obtained show that anxiety influences the generation of harmful behaviour, as it has a positive impact on compulsive and impulsive buying. In addition, compulsive and impulsive buying generate higher levels of consumers’ emotional regulation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the management of anxiety as a priority element to reduce harmful behaviour. Therefore, it provides useful information for marketing managers and professionals in psychological and healthy consumer processes.

Knowledge management and fashion retail performance: the moderating role of product complexity

PurposeThis study explores the role of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) in enhancing competitive advantage and organisational performance in fashion retailing. Employing the resource-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV) perspectives, it investigates the interplay between managing knowledge effectively and fashion products’ complexity. The goal is to provide new insights into optimising KMC for greater agility and success in the fashion retail industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study analysed survey data from 322 US fashion retail professionals using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).Findings The results revealed that knowledge infrastructure capability enhanced both competitive advantage and organisational performance significantly. In contrast, knowledge process capability did not significantly affect competitive advantage, it improved organisational performance. Importantly, product complexity moderated the relationship between competitive advantage and organisational performance negatively.Practical implications This study underscores the necessity for retailers in the fashion industry to enhance their KMC to bolster competitive advantage and organisational performance, while it also acknowledges product complexity’s effect on these strategies. These insights offer actionable guidance for industry leaders to optimise knowledge management to navigate the rapidly evolving retail landscape.Originality/value This research offers novel insights into the interplay of product complexity and KMC in fashion retail and highlights the unique effects on competitive advantage and organisational performance valuable for both academia and industry.

Unethical Behaviour and Corporate Performance in University System: A study of Nigerian Private Universities

The study investigated whether there exists a relationship between unethical behaviour and corporate performance in the university system, and hence determined the impact of unethical behavior on corporate performance in the Nigerian university system with private universities as reference. A survey design was employed with a questionnaire instrument administered to 250 university staff drawn from four private universities in South-west, Nigeria, using a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. The response data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential analysis.  The descriptive analysis showed that unethical behaviour exists in Nigerian private universities. A multivariate Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used for the inferential analysis and to specify the relationships among the construct variables in the study. The bootstrapping technique of the PLS-SEM was used to estimate the parameters in the model, with the aid of the Smart-3 software. The result of the factor loadings, reliability test, convergent and discriminant validity revealed that the construct variables are fit for the PLS-SEM. The path analysis revealed that financial malpractices are a major unethical behavior affecting corporate performance adversely. Furthermore, unethical behaviours from university staff and university administration have significant negative influence on corporate performance. The study concludes that unethical behaviour is a key driver of poor corporate performance in the Nigerian university system. Therefore, it is recommended that policy makers in the university should adopt a holistic approach to ethical management that is oriented toward zero tolerance for unethical behavior in the university system 

Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Behavioral Problems of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through Deinstitutionalization.

People with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) with extensive support needs are more likely to live in segregated and highly institutionalized environments. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in functioning and quality of life for people with IDD and extensive support needs after transitioning to ordinary homes in the community. The sample included 54 adults with IDD and extensive support needs, who were assessed at three time points: before transition, six months later, and one year after transition. The Resident Choice Scale, San Martin Quality of Life Scale, Active Support Participation Measure, and the Behavior Problem section of the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning were administered. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and t-tests for repeated measures were carried out. There were significant improvements in decision-making, participation and independence in daily activities and quality of life, as well as a reduction in the presence and intensity of behavioral problems. The benefits found in this study support transformation processes towards more inclusive services and professional practices that foster people's rights and feeling of belonging to the community.

What Determines the Batteries Recycling Behavior of e-bike citizens in Guangzhou?: Integrating Place Identity and Environmental Concern into the Extended Norm Activation Model

Battery recycling is viewed in China as an important means of achieving primary sustainability goals and greater economic and environmental development. With the notice of high battery recycling intentions through relevant investigations, this study examine the influencing factors of these recycling behaviors of e-bikes citizens by incorporating the place identity and environmental concern into the Extended Normative Activation Model (NAM), which fill the research gap on how place identity and environmental concern affect the batteries recycling behavior. This study proposes that the consequence awareness, personal norms, and attitudes have mediating effect on place identity to the recycling behavior, and the environmental concern has moderating effect on consequence awareness, personal norms, and attitudes to the recycling behavior, respectively. Based on 268 valid surveys, hypothetical claims were examined using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that personal norms and awareness of consequences positively impact e-bike users' intentions to recycle waste batteries., and environmental concerns have no moderating effect on attitude, recycling intention, personal norms, and recycling intention. The expanded NAM helps comprehend place identity and environmental concern role in citizens’ recycling intention in Guangzhou. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Predicting Intention for Food Safety Behavior among Food Handlers: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia’s Beach Culinary Area

Background: The food safety behavior of food handlers constitutes the main factor in foodborne disease control. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, behavior is determined by the intention that is established from a combination of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This research aimed to predict the intention for food safety behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for two months in the Bantul beach culinary area, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research population consisted of 80 food handlers representative of all existing seafood stalls. The respondents were interviewed face-to-face using a paper-based questionnaire related to attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention. The data collected were evaluated using structural equation model-partial least square (SEM-PLS), version 3.0, with a sig. level of 0.05. Results: This research successfully predicted 64.3% of the variance in the intention for food safety behavior of food handlers (R2 adjusted = 0.643). The variable-perceived behavioral control was the strongest and most significant predictor, with a positive effect on intention for food safety behavior (β = 0.560, p = 0.000 < 0.05), followed by the variable subjective norms (β = 0.275, p = 0.001 < 0.05). The variable attitude was the weakest predictor, with an insignificant positive effect (β = 007.0, p = 0.182 > 0.05). Conclusion: This research successfully predicted the intention for food safety behavior of food handlers in the Bantul beach culinary area, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Effects of Public Service Motivation on R&D Project-Based Team Learning Where Psychological Safety Is a Mediator and Project Management Style Is a Moderator

While public service motivation (PSM) and teamwork are widely recognized as crucial drivers for effective public service delivery, researchers primarily analyze these factors independently and at a personal level. The existing literature rarely explores the interplay between PSM, the project team learning process (PTLP), and psychological safety (PS) within research and development (R&D) project teams, particularly in national R&D organizations. This study addresses this gap by proposing a theoretical model that examines the combined effect of individual motivation and team collaboration, mediated by PS, on R&D PTLP. Additionally, it investigates the moderating influence of project management (PM) styles—fully agile and partially agile—on these relationships. The proposed method utilizes partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for quantitative data analysis. Our findings revealed a positive relationship between PSM, PS, and R&D PTLP, with PS acting as a significant mediator. Notably, the relationship between PSM and R&D PTLP was stronger under fully agile project management compared to partially agile settings. These findings suggest that both project teams and organizations should prioritize promoting PS and consider the moderating effects of project management styles to foster a sustainable R&D team learning process, particularly within national R&D institutions.

Spur of the moment: the unintended consequences of excessive food purchases and food waste during Ramadan

PurposeFood waste, a global conundrum with adverse socioeconomic and environmental implications, occurs when more money is spent on food during occasions akin to Ramadan. This study examines the moderating role of antecedents (festive experience, nostalgic food memory, perceived scarcity, and religiosity) to understand the impacts of excessive food buying on Ramadan food waste.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was performed with a self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms to gather data on social media. Notably, 349 valid responses were analysed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4 for model development and hypothesis testing.FindingsFestive experience, nostalgic memory, and perceived food scarcity could explain excessive buying behaviour. In this vein, excessive food buying contributed to Ramadan food waste. Meanwhile, religiosity was found to moderate excessive food-buying behaviour.Practical implicationsThe empirical findings offered useful insights for practitioners and policymakers to implement optimal marketing strategies and interventions that improve responsible consumption and minimise food waste.Originality/valueThis study provided a sound understanding of consumer buying behaviour during Ramadan regarding food waste and overconsumption. The current work delineated the role of descriptive, injunctive norms and cognitive dissonance in shaping buying behaviour during Ramadan.

The Impact of Service Quality and Tax Socialization on Taxpayer Awareness Performance: Case from Mimika Papua, Indonesia

Taxation plays a crucial role as the largest source of income for governments, including local governments such as Mimika Regency, Papua Province. Therefore, the impact of Tax Socialization, Taxpayer Compliance and Awareness, and Service Quality on Taxpayer Service Performance remains relevant to be studied. This study employs an empirical test with 100 taxpayer respondents in Mimika Regency, Papua Province, Indonesia. Hypothesis testing was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results of the test prove that service quality, tax socialization, and taxpayer awareness have a positive influence on taxpayer compliance. Service quality, tax socialization, and taxpayer awareness also have a positive influence on service performance. Taxpayer compliance does not have a positive influence on service performance, but taxpayer awareness does. The theoretical implications of this research information serve as a guide for researchers to develop tax and tax knowledge, and the determinants of non-compliance can be used for future research. From a policy maker's perspective, this information will assist tax authorities in developing tax education programs.