Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

On the journey from cognizance toward thriving: Iranian EFL teachers’ engagement in reflective practice and professional development: the mediating effect of teacher mindfulness

ABSTRACT This study investigated the crucial role of teaching in society and the inquiry into effective teaching qualities. It underscored the prominence of mindfulness in teaching, as well as the ongoing process of reflective practice within the realm of EFL educators. The research aimed to create a model illuminating the relationships between EFL teachers’ reflective practice, teacher mindfulness, and professional development. It also delved into the mediating role of teacher mindfulness in this context. To attain this research objective, a convenience sampling method was utilized, leading to the selection of 150 EFL teachers from private language institutions across different provinces in Iran. Employing a quantitative methodology three distinct questionnaires were utilized to gather data. Subsequently, the information was examined through the application of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The structural model evaluation indicated significant path coefficients reinforcing all research hypotheses, with mindfulness functioning as a significant mediator between reflective practice and professional development. It is implied that there is a conspicuous emphasis on integrating mindfulness and reflective practices into educational policies and curricula to cultivate continuous growth and development among teachers.

Self-efficacy and teaching quality of academic staff in public universities in Uganda

This study investigated the association between self-efficacy and teaching quality of academic staff in selected public universities in Uganda. Specifically, the study exam­ined how academic staff's personal sense of efficacy, behav­iour management, instructional strategies, and motivational strategies efficacy influenced teaching quality in public uni­versities. Employing the positivist research philosophy, the study used a quantitative approach through correlational re­search design. Randomly selected academic staff members provided data using a self-administered questionnaire. Par­tial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) results indicated that of the four teacher efficacy aspects, only personal sense of efficacy positively and significantly influ­enced teaching quality. However, the efficacy of behaviour management, instructional strategies, and motivational strat­egies had a positive but insignificant influence on teaching quality. It was concluded that the personal sense of efficacy of academic staff is essential in enhancing teaching quality. Nonetheless, the efficacy of behaviour management, instruc­tional strategies, and motivational strategies of academic staff has made minimal contributions to teaching quality in universities. Therefore, university leaders should emphasise promoting the personal sense of efficacy of academic staff to enhance teaching quality more than instructional strategies and motivational strategies efficacy.

Exploring the role of attitudes, self-efficacy, and digital competence in influencing teachers' integration of ICT: A partial least squares structural equation modeling study

Effectively incorporating technology into teaching and learning can be accomplished through the application of information and communication technology (ICT). Nonetheless, the extent to which ICT is employed in educational environments is heavily impacted by numerous factors. Teachers' ICT integration in China was investigated with the aim of identifying the specific factors that influence it. The research sample consists of 680 educators, and it highlights three primary elements that affect their adoption of ICT: attitudes, self-efficacy, and digital competence. Employing a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method, the results indicate that all three elements play a significant role in the effective integration of ICT by educators. The study also indicated the mediating effect of attitudes and digital competence. Furthermore, the research identified no substantial disparities in the factors based on sex or age, except for the correlation between self-efficacy and attitudes. By providing useful insights for the development of successful instructional designs that integrate ICT, this study contributed to the advancement and impact of educational technology.

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.

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.

Analysis of Indonesian Public Perception on the Influence of American Food Brands with the Indonesia-America Cooperation Relationship Using SEM-PLS

Globalization has removed barriers between countries, particularly in the field of food. One of the main impacts of this phenomenon is the entry of foreign food and beverage brands into domestic markets, including brands from the United States. The United States (US) supports Israel in its conflict with Palestine, which is contrary to Indonesia's stance. Therefore, an analysis was conducted on the perception of Indonesian society towards American brands and how this affects the bilateral cooperation betweenthe two countries. The method used was descriptive quantitative, and data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with a sample of 200 respondents. The results of this study showed an R-square value of 10.22% without a mediating variable and 49.87% when including a mediating variable. This value indicates that incorporating the mediating variable into the model increases the explained variability of the model to 49.87%, while the remainder can be explained by other variables.

Analyzing Factors That Influence the Indonesia’s Gen Z in Reducing Food Waste

Zero hunger is one of the goals that is still being realized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With conditions in Indonesia, which currently occupies fourth place in the amount of food waste worldwide, with a weight reaching 20.93 tons per year. This is certainly a serious enough problem to realize sustainable development. Indonesia, which is currently dominated by Gen Z, certainly needs to pay more attention to this food waste so that it doesn't continue in the future. This problem makes it important to analyze the factors that influence Gen Z Indonesia in reducing food waste. This research aims to form a structural model that explains the factors that influence Gen Z in reducing food waste. The variables used in this research are the influence of social media content, millennial eating manners, food consumption efficiency, the role of social demographics, and commitment to reducing food waste. which was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) method. The research results show that the factors that influence Gen Z are the influence of social media content and the role of social demographics. Through this research, recommendations for activities related to efforts to reduce food waste based on SEM-PLS can be formulated torealize one of the goals of 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.

An empirical study on electric vehicle adoption in India: A step towards a greener environment

The Indian automobile industry is witnessing a paradigm shift from fossil fuel to green energy. The current study employs an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate the impact of attitudes, green nudges and perceived behavioural control on the behavioural intention (BI) for adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by Indian consumers. Environmental concern is also added to the model to find its impact on actual buying behaviour (AB). Conclusive research is carried out, and data is collected through a structured questionnaire. 342 respondents were analysed using a two-step investigation approach: Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), followed by an artificial neural network (ANN). Subsequently, two models are formed to determine the predictors of BI and AB. The findings suggest that all three factors positively impact BI and AB. Attitude plays the most significant role in BI (the most important predictor of AB). The study's findings also suggest that the extended TPB model is effective for forecasting customers' adoption intentions towards EVs. Moreover, this research adds to the existing literature on the intention and reluctance of consumers to embrace green technology. The results of this study will have significant implications not only for a greater understanding of customer behaviour regarding the adoption of EVs, but also for exploring their market expansion, product offerings, consumer BI and framing policies.

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.