Reflective Measurement Model Research Articles

Partial least squares as a tool for scientific inquiry: comments on Cadogan and Lee

PurposeIn their paper titled “A Miracle of Measurement or Accidental Constructivism? How PLS Subverts the Realist Search for Truth,” Cadogan and Lee (2022) cast serious doubt on PLS’s suitability for scientific studies. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the claims of Cadogan and Lee, correct some inaccuracies, and derive recommendations for researchers using structural equation models.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses scenario analysis to show which estimators are appropriate for reflective measurement models and composite models, and formulates the statistical model that underlies PLS Mode A. It also contrasts two different perspectives: PLS as an estimator for structural equation models vs. PLS-SEM as an overarching framework with a sui generis logic.FindingsThere are different variants of PLS, which include PLS, consistent PLS, PLSe1, PLSe2, proposed ordinal PLS and robust PLS, each of which serves a particular purpose. All of these are appropriate for scientific inquiry if applied properly. It is not PLS that subverts the realist search for truth, but some proponents of a framework called “PLS-SEM.” These proponents redefine the term “reflective measurement,” argue against the assessment of model fit and suggest that researchers could obtain “confirmation” for their model.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers should be more conscious, open and respectful regarding different research paradigms.Practical implicationsResearchers should select a statistical model that adequately represents their theory, not necessarily a common factor model, and formulate their model explicitly. Particularly for instrumentalists, pragmatists and constructivists, the composite model appears promising. Researchers should be concerned about their estimator’s properties, not about whether it is called “PLS.” Further, researchers should critically evaluate their model, not seek confirmation or blindly believe in its value.Originality/valueThis paper critically appraises Cadogan and Lee (2022) and reminds researchers who wish to use structural equation modeling, particularly PLS, for their statistical analysis, of some important scientific principles.

Competency Framework of Agriculture Educators Vocational College: Measurement Model Using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling

<p style="text-align: justify;">Competent instructors need to have the skills, abilities, and competencies to perform tasks effectively, which will affect student learning achievement. This study is guided by the theory of Boyatzis developed by Spencer and Spencer. The Iceberg Competency Model was used as a guideline to identify the competency elements of educators from the agricultural stream in vocational colleges (KV). This research study aims to explore and identify the existing competency elements of agricultural educators in KV. This study used a study population comprising 243 respondents of agricultural educators in KV. To answer the research question, the data analysis was done by Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This study is a study built to observe the relationship between the latent constructs studied. These constructs consisted of exogenous and endogenous constructs. In this study, exogenous constructs comprised value constructs, social roles, self-image, motives, traits and constraints. At the same time, endogenous constructs involved constructs of skills and knowledge. To ensure that the construct of this study gives meaning to the reflective measurement model, it was evaluated based on internal consistency reliability and validity. Regarding the framework, some indicators that did not qualify were dropped based on factor loading and average variance extracted (AVE). From the analysis conducted, 16 indicators were dropped since they did not meet PLS-SEM requirements. The total number of items retained was 71 indicators. At the final stage of this study, the evaluation model was implemented to form a framework involving the evaluation of the constructs linked to each other.</p>

The Relationships Between Dynamic Incentives Towards Microenterprise Firm Performance in Malaysia

Dynamic incentives granted to the micro entrepreneurs for good loan repayment to increase their business growth. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between dynamic incentives and microentrepreneurial business performance in Malaysia. The questionnaire obtained cross-sectional data from 450 micro-entrepreneurs who are part of the micro-financing scheme. The dynamic incentives and micro-entrepreneur firm performance were constructed as a reflective measurement model. The current study used the PLS-SEM approach to explore the dynamic incentives for micro-entrepreneur business performance. The survey findings further revealed that dynamic incentives are significantly associated with micro-entrepreneur firm performance with p value < 0.05. This research's outcomes can benefit decision-makers such as Malaysian governments, microfinance organizations, and the decision-makers regarding distributing funding and promoting successful micro-entrepreneur performance in the long-run.

Teacher's Motivation on the Use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): The Effect of Social Factors, Self-Efficacy and Technological Support

Virtual learning environment or VLE has been introduced in educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities to encourage a systematic online teaching and learning platform. The application of VLE is suggested as one of the mediators to vary the delivery process therefore teaching and learning process will be easier and more interesting. This paper aims to examine the effect of social factors, self-efficacy and technological support on the utilization of VLE in the educational process. A quantitative approach was employed and the data was collected through questionnaire administered to selected respondents. A total of 356 accounting teachers from secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia were chosen as the samples. Reflective measurement model in Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was utilized to measure the effect of exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable. Results indicated that social factor namely (colleague, administrators and school culture) significantly effect the use of VLE among teachers. The finding can be interpreted as teachers with higher value of social factors have higher intention to use VLE in his/her teaching and learning. Further, self-efficacy and technological support (facilities quality, internet access and technical support) positively influence teachers’ to apply VLE during teaching. This paper proposes that teachers need to be given ongoing support and appropriate training to develop their skills in using digital technology. Further, the quality of technological facilities in schools need to be developed to promote effective educational processes and motivate teachers to use digital technology.

Synchronous Display and Whiteboard-Like Freehand Writing App as Teaching Tool for Virtual Classroom amidst the Pandemic

Purpose:The research evaluates if teachers can achieve better teaching outcomes by using a proposed mobile interactive system (MIS) developed for this study as an additional approachtoenhancingteachers'proficiencyinTechnologicalPedagogical and ContentKnowledge (TPACK)in the virtual classroom. Background:According to previous studies,teachers'self-assessmenton TPACKmight be affected by their ego because they have autonomy over the students in the classroom. Some studies suggest that utilisation ofaninteractive whiteboard (IWB) promotes creativity in teaching and learning butthat itisunsuitablefor a virtual environment due to itslargesize andthehigh maintenance costsassociated with owning one in a teacher'sresidence. Besides, some studies also reveal thatallowing the students toassesstheirteachers throughTPACKisable toreduce potential errorswhich might resultfromtheTPACK self-assessmentdone by teachers. Methods:Pre-andpost-experimentswere conductedwith the developed MIS integrated into teaching process. Synchronous display (SD) and whiteboard-like freehand writing (WFW)werefeatures of the MIS integrated into the experimental group. Questionnaires were distributed to the students,and a reflective measurement model was formed usingSmartPLSand IBM SPSS Statistics. Findings:Based onourfindings,teachers'Technological Content Knowledgehad a significant positive effect on TPACK with the inclusion of MIS in online teaching.Predictive relevance wasalsoevaluated throughaQ 2value to predict the endogenous construct of the constructed model. The Q 2valuewasgreater than zero, indicating that the model possesses a predictive relevance. Conclusion:The integration of the developed MIS in the virtual classroom has a significant positive impact on thestudents'academic performance relating to conceptlearningand knowledge acquisition of subject matter.

Synchronous Display and Whiteboard-Like Freehand Writing App as Teaching Tool for Virtual Classroom amidst the Pandemic

Purpose: The research evaluates if teachers can achieve better teaching outcomes by using a proposed mobile interactive system (MIS) developed for this study as an additional approach to enhancing teachers’ proficiency in Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in the virtual classroom. Background: According to previous studies, teachers’ self-assessment on TPACK might be affected by their ego because they have autonomy over the students in the classroom. Some studies suggest that utilisation of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) promotes creativity in teaching and learning but that it is unsuitable for a virtual environment due to its large size and the high maintenance costs associated with owning one in a teacher’s residence. Besides, some studies also reveal that allowing the students to assess their teachers through TPACK is able to reduce potential errors which might result from the TPACK self-assessment done by teachers. Methods: Pre- and post- experiments were conducted with the developed MIS integrated into teaching process. Synchronous display (SD) and whiteboard-like freehand writing (WFW) were features of the MIS integrated into the experimental group. Questionnaires were distributed to the students, and a reflective measurement model was formed using SmartPLS and IBM SPSS Statistics. Findings: Based on our findings, teachers’ Technological Content Knowledge had a significant positive effect on TPACK with the inclusion of MIS in online teaching. Predictive relevance was also evaluated through a Q 2 value to predict the endogenous construct of the constructed model. The Q 2 value was greater than zero, indicating that the model possesses a predictive relevance. Conclusion: The integration of the developed MIS in the virtual classroom has a significant positive impact on the students’ academic performance relating to concept learning and knowledge acquisition of subject matter.

Exploring the structural characteristics of the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) and ASCOT-Carer

Background: Measurement models inform the approach to assess a measure’s validity and also how a measure is understood, applied and interpreted. With preference-based measures, it is generally accepted that they are formative; however, if they are applied without preferences, they may be reflective, formative or mixed. In this study, we sought to empirically test whether the reflective, formative or mixed measurement model best describes PBMs of social care-related quality of life (ASCOT, ASCOT-Carer). We also explored the network approach, as an alternative. Methods: ASCOT and ASCOT-Carer data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes models to test reflective, formative or mixed measurement models, respectively. Network analysis of partial correlations using the Gaussian graphical model was also conducted. Results: The results indicated that the reflective measurement model is the worst fit for ASCOT and ASCOT-Carer. The formative or mixed models may apply to ASCOT. The mixed model was the best fit for ASCOT-Carer. The network analysis indicated that the most important or influential items were Occupation and Personal cleanliness and comfort (ASCOT) and Time and space and Self-care (ASCOT-Carer). Conclusions: The ASCOT and ASCOT-Carer are best described as formative/mixed or mixed models, respectively. These findings may guide the approach to the validation of cross-culturally adapted and translated versions. Specifically, we recommend that EFA be applied to establish structural characteristics, especially if the measure will be applied as a PBM and as a measure of SCRQoL. Network analysis may also provide further useful insights into structural characteristics.

Synchronous Display and Whiteboard-Like Freehand Writing App as Teaching Tool for Virtual Classroom amidst the Pandemic

Purpose:The research evaluates if teachers can achieve better teaching outcomes by using a proposed mobile interactive system (MIS) developed for this study as an additional approachtoenhancingteachers'proficiencyinTechnologicalPedagogical and ContentKnowledge (TPACK)in the virtual classroom. Background:According to previous studies,teachers'self-assessmenton TPACKmight be affected by their egosbecause they have autonomy over the students in the classroom. Some studies suggest that utilisation ofaninteractive whiteboard (IWB) promotes creativity in teaching and learning butthat itisunsuitablefor a virtual environment due to itslargesize andthehigh maintenance costsassociated with owning one in a teacher'sresidence. Besides, some studies also reveal thatallowing the students toassesstheirteachers throughTPACKisable toreduce potential errorswhich might resultfromtheTPACK self-assessmentdone by teachers. Methods:Pre-andpost-experimentswere conductedwith the developed MIS integrated into teaching process. Synchronous display (SD) and whiteboard-like freehand writing (WFW)werefeatures of the MIS integrated into the experimental group. Questionnaires were distributed to the students,and a reflective measurement model was formed usingSmartPLSand IBM SPSS Statistics. Findings:Based onourfindings,teachers'Technological Content Knowledgehad a significant positive effect on TPACK with the inclusion of MIS in online teaching.Predictive relevance wasalsoevaluated throughaQ 2value to predict the endogenous construct of the constructed model. The Q 2valuewasgreater than zero, indicating that the model possesses a predictive relevance. Conclusion:The integration of the developed MIS in the virtual classroom has a significant positive impact on thestudents'academic performance relating to conceptlearningand knowledge acquisition of subject matter.

Psychological contract breach moderates job satisfaction–citizenship behaviour relationship

PurposeThis study finds out if a satisfied physician will show citizenship behaviour (OCB) in a work environment where psychological contract breach (PCB) exist.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data from 214 physicians across 26 health-care units were analysed. Research philosophy was positivism, research design was explanatory and study design was cross-sectional. Preliminary tests were conducted. Reflective measurement and structural models were examined. PLS algorithm tool and bootstrapping procedure were utilised. Control variables were sex, age, employment type and tenure. A significant level was set at 5%. Smart PLS 2.0M.3 software was employed.FindingsThe scientist found support for a significant moderating effect of PCB on the nexus between job satisfaction (JST) and OCB, such that PCB demoralised a satisfied physician in showing OCB. In contrast, a fulfilled psychological contract motivated satisfied physicians to exhibit OCB.Practical implicationsPCB, if not addressed, may lead satisfied physicians to show low OCB, which has devastating effects for health-care organisations and their patients. Creating balanced, fulfilled and harmonious relationship within physicians will transform the workplace into a more meaningful and purposeful atmosphere.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical health-care literature on the moderating effect of PCB, a psychosocial stressor, on the direct relationship between JST and OCB, integrating and lengthening the social exchange theory, resource-based theory and activation theory.

Psychological contract breach as a stressor in the physician’s job commitment–extra-role behaviour relationship

This paper finds out if a committed physician will go the extra mile for his/her employer when faced with psychological contract breach (PCB), a psychosocial stressor. Data from 214 physicians across 26 health-care units in the Upper East (UE) and Upper West (UW) regions of Ghana were analysed. A semi-structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire was utilised. Research philosophy was positivism, research approach was quantitative, research design was explanatory, and study design was cross-sectional. Preliminary tests were conducted. Both reflective measurement and structural models were examined. PLS algorithm tool and bootstrapping procedure were used. Control variables were sex, age, employment type and tenure. A significant level was set at 5%. Smart PLS and IBM SPSS software were employed. In the end, physician’s commitment work (JCM) positively and significantly predicted extra-role behaviour (ETB). Also, PCB significantly interacted with JCM to predict ETB, such that the relationship between JCT and ETB was stronger when PCB was low than when it was high. Creating a balanced, fulfilled and harmonious hospital–physician relationship will transform the workplace into a less stressful, more meaningful and purposeful atmosphere for the benefit other health-care professionals, patients and the health-care organisation at large.

The Impact of Quality Management on Business Performance of Manufacturing Firms: The Moderated Effect of Industry 4.0

Purpose: The research aims to investigate the individual quality management (QM) factors impact on business performance in manufacturing firms. We then assess their influence and look at how industry 4.0 affects business performance directly. Furthermore, the study will demonstrate the moderate effect of industry 4.0 on the interaction between QM and business performance. Methodology/Approach: The authors used two methodologies. The first is qualitative methods, by interviewing experts to develop a realistically appropriate model. The second is quantitative methods, by carrying out the survey and getting 84 observations. This research used the multivariate data analysis technique PLS-SEM to evaluate three measurement models: formative measurement model, reflective measurement model, and structural model. Findings: The QM was operationalised as a multi–dimensional construct. According to the findings, these individual QM factors significantly affect the organisation’s performance, including customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and quality performance. Besides, QM and Industry 4.0 have directly impact on performance. The study also shows that industry 4.0 has a positive moderating role in the relationship between QM and business performance. Research Limitation/Implication: The survey was only done in emerging countries and the sample size is limited. There are other QM and business performance measurement parameters that have not yet to be discussed. Originality/Value of paper: The study contributes to the QM literature by building a business quality model, in which the role of Industry 4.0 was explored.

Knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong

PurposeTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had a long history and has been widely practiced worldwide. TCM includes acupunctures, herbal medicine and chiropractic. However, limited studies examined the relationship between knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of TCM among the Hong Kong general public. This study has developed a research model which aims to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of TCM in Hong Kong by using partial least square structural equation model.Design/methodology/approachAn online-based questionnaire was distributed by using convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of five parts to collect the data regarding the knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of TCM of respondents. The reflective measurement model and structural model were examined with SmartPLS 3.0 statistical software.FindingsA total of 131 respondents completed the survey, and all data were valid after data screening and cleaning. Around 60% of the participants received TCM information from their friends and family members, and 42% from the internet. Likewise, there is positive relationship from the knowledge of TCM to the utilisation, from the attitude to the utilisation and from the utilisation of TCM to the satisfaction. However, the positive relationship of knowledge regarding TCM and attitude is not proven. A t-test and one-way analysis of variance showed no significant differences between gender and age groups on each measurement items.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights for researchers and policymakers to understand the significance of attitude and perception of the benefits of treatments in the use of TCM. The positive experience of TCM from other people is essential for enhancing the willingness to use TCM while education is also fundamental in promoting TCM to the public.

How social media crisis response and social interaction is helping people recover from Covid-19: an empirical investigation.

Community resilience following a crisis has become essential to avoid panic. In contrast, social media usage has been practical to improve public resilience. However, the impacts of social media crisis response and social interaction have not been fully addressed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of social media crisis communication on public resilience. The study data were collected through an online medium, and the final responses consist of 393 observations, mainly of Malaysians who have experienced Covid-19 isolation, quarantine, or lockdown. The assessments of the reflective measurement models based on path analysis in PLS-SEM are reliable and valid. The Cronbach’s alpha, rho_A, composite reliability, and discriminant validity revealed acceptable values. PLS prediction algorithm was run to assess the model’s predictive power, and the findings show that the predictive relevance is satisfactory. Furthermore, the IPMA was applied to evaluate the model’s usefulness, which compares the level of the variables from the performance scale mean value against the importance level. The result shows that all the variables are useful and reveal good performance. Thus, crisis management and communication activities should pay more attention to these variables for effective social media crisis communication. Thus, the study offers theoretical and practical implications in the field of social media-based crisis communication and crisis informatics.

Apartment purchase under Shirkah-ul Milk and shariah compliance in Islamic banks: the perception of bankers and clients in Bangladesh

PurposeApartment purchase is an increasing investment trend in Islamic banks as clients trusted to eradicate the interest from financial dealings to capture the Islamic Principles. The paper aims to investigate the Shariah compliance in the investment of apartment purchases under Shirkah-ul milk in Bangladesh Islamic banks.Design/Methodology/ApproachThis study examined the perception of 125 clients and 25 managers from five key Islamic banks on the investment practices of apartment purchases. This study applied two data analysis methods: reflective measurement model was operated for examining the consistency, reliability, multicollinearity problems and validity; and Smart PLS-SEM (structural equation model) was used to investigate the direct impact of each explanatory variable on Shari’ah compliance in Islamic banks.FindingsThe results indicated that Islamic banks could not strictly maintain the Shariah compliance in apartment purchase. Such Shari’ah non-compliance is due to lack of knowledge and understanding with regard to bank’s objectives and philosophy, weak Shariah board, audit, weak regulatory body and supervision problem. These findings also firmly match clients’ and managers’ perceptions.Research Limitations/ImplicationsA limited size of clients and bankers were involved in this study. The study focuses only on perceptions of Islamic banks’ clients and managers and avoids Muslim clients who involved conventional banks.Originality/ValueThis study provides Shariah-compliant alternatives in investment avenue for apartment purchases. These Shariah modes include Apartment Purchase Musharakah Mutanaqasa; Bai-Muajjal; and Apartment Purchases under Shirkah-ul Milk, which captures various limitations against current apartment purchase practices as well as to develop clients’ trust in Islamic banks.

Constructed Measures and Causal Inference: Towards a New Model of Measurement for Psychosocial Constructs.

Psychosocial constructs can only be assessed indirectly, and measures are typically formed by a combination of indicators that are thought to relate to the construct. Reflective and formative measurement models offer different conceptualizations of the relation between the indicators and what is sometimes conceived of as a univariate latent variable supposed to correspond in some way to the construct. I argue that the empirical implications of reflective and formative models will often be violated by data since the causally relevant constituents will generally be multivariate, not univariate. These empirical implications can be formally tested but factor analysis is not adequate to do so. I argue that formative models misconstrue the relation between the constructed measures and the underlying reality by which causal processes operate, but that reflective models misconstrue the nature of the underlying reality itself by typically presuming that the constituents of it that are causally efficacious are unidimensional. I discuss the ensuing problems arising from these misconstruals. I propose a causal interpretation of associations between constructed measures and various outcomes that is applicable to both reflective and formative models and is applicable even if the usual assumptions of these models are violated. I put forward an outline for a new model of the process of measure construction and discuss the practical implications of these observations and proposals for the provision of definitions, the selection of items, item-by-item analyses, the construction of measures, and the interpretation of the associations of these measures with subsequent outcomes.

Openness to experience moderates psychological contract breach–job satisfaction tie-in

Purpose This paper aims to assess the tie-in between psychological contract breach (PCB) and job satisfaction (JST) amongst medical doctors (MDs) working in two stress-prone regions of Ghana, and further analyses the moderating effect of openness to experience (OPE) on this tie-in. Design/methodology/approach Responses from 214 MDs were analysed. Questionnaires were self-administered. Research philosophy was positivism, research approach was quantitative, research design was explanatory and study design was cross-sectional. Test of normality, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were applied. Both reflective measurement and structural models were assessed. Path coefficients were analysed using partial least squares (PLS) algorithm tool and moderation effect was conducted using the product indicator approach. Control variables were sex (GEN1), age (GEN2), employment type (GEN3) and tenure (GEN1). A significant level was set at 5%. Smart PLS 2.0 M.3 software was used. Findings The analysts found support for a significant moderating effect of OPE on the tie between PCB and JST, such that the consequences of PCB on JST was minimised for MDs who scored high on OPE trait. Practical implications PCB, if not addressed, may lead MDs to be less satisfied with their jobs. In stress-prone health zones where PCB exists, MDs who are inspired, creative, self-sufficient, experimenting and visionary are more likely to be satisfied with their job. Originality/value This study offers health-care literature on the moderating role of OPE personality dimension on the bond between PCB and JST, using PLS-structural equations modelling, which is a superior and robust analytical tool.

Drivers of intrapreneurship: an affective events theory viewpoint

PurposeIn the current study framework, the authors test the underlying assumptions of affective events theory concerning the impact of job satisfaction and job insecurity driven by incivility on intrapreneurial behaviour.Design/methodology/approachData were collected with a sample of 510 employees from five organisations. All hypotheses were tested via SmartPLS3. Additionally, a distinction between formative and reflective measures was performed.FindingsFindings revealed that incivility decreases intrapreneurial behaviour, mediated by job satisfaction and job insecurity. Additionally, this study’s results show that the relationship between job satisfaction and job insecurity and intrapreneurial behaviour distinguishes unionised employees from employees who are not unionised.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional nature of the present data precluded definitive statements about causality. Additionally, further studies should increase the sample size and include an international perspective to ensure the overall generalisability of the results.Practical implicationsPractically, this study’s findings point to the need for organisational management to understand better underlying employees' perceptions and their antecedents and consequences.Originality/valueThe study results contribute to the literature by testing the core assumptions of affective events theory and by extending the affective events theory model, incorporating contextual influences on the relationship between attitudes and behaviours. The authors also show for the first time that incivility can be directly (compared to indirectly) linked to emotional-based responses, but not to those responses driven by cognitive appraisals. Thus, the study also contributes to the incivility literature and the understanding of various antecedents and consequences of incivility. Additionally, this study addressed the notion of formative versus reflective measurement models for the first time relating to incivility and intrapreneurial behaviour, allowing for more sensitive and less biased results. Herein lies an additional methodological contribution.

Reflective vs. Formative Measurement Models in Supply Chain Management Research

This research seeks to highlight a common mistake that researchers in the area of Supply Chain Management (SCM) make when selecting the measurement models for empirical research using Structural Equation Modelling. The right selection of a measurement model leads to a correct model specification and validation, and thus to truthfully research findings. We demonstrate through a simple empirical application that the selection of a correct measurement model leads to a correct model specification and completely different findings. The usage of reflective measurement models seems to be more a tradition than a real and proper choice. We suggest some useful insights on how the selection process should be carried out.

Accounting Treatment of Cryptocurrency: A Malaysian Context

"Cryptocurrencies have become the buzzword among society, especially after some prominent companies such as Wikipedia, Microsoft and Amazon accept the use of cryptocurrencies. Nonetheless, accounting treatment of cryptocurrencies appears to be a challenging area for standard setters, financial statement preparers, and also users. This is mainly because elements of cryptocurrency do not explicitly fall under any existing accounting standards. The fact that cryptocurrencies are held for different business models and intentions may affect how it should be treated under accounting standards. Hence, this research aimed to examine factors that affect the accounting treatment of cryptocurrencies in Malaysia. Different factors were examined including the function of cryptocurrencies, conceptual framework of financial reporting and the legal status of cryptocurrencies. Targeted respondents involved in this research were accountants in Malaysia. Data collected were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS 3. SPSS was mainly used to analyse the demographics of respondents whereas SmartPLS 3 was used to carry out reflective measurement model and structural model evaluation. The results concluded that all the independent variables which are the functions of cryptocurrencies, conceptual framework of financial reporting, and the legal status of cryptocurrencies have a significant relationship with the accounting treatment of cryptocurrencies. The results of this study provide an insight about factors that standards setters and financial standards should consider when accounting for cryptocurrencies’ transactions in order to provide faithful representation and relevant information. Some limitations and suggestions are included in this research to provide ideas for future researchers to carry out further research. Keywords: Cryptocurrencies, Accounting Treatment"

The Interactions between Financial Inclusion with Microentrepreneurs Firm Performance in Malaysia

This study is to examine the relationships between financial inclusion with microentrepreneur's firm performance in Malaysia. Cross-sectional data from the questionnaire were collected from 373 micro-entrepreneurs operating under the micro-financing scheme. Hence, the present study aimed to revisit the financial inclusions towards micro-entrepreneur firm performance using the approach in PLS-SEM. The Financial inclusion and micro-entrepreneur firm performance were constructed as a reflective measurement model. The survey findings further revealed that financial inclusion is significantly associated with micro-entrepreneur firm performance. This research's outcomes can benefit decision-makers such as Malaysian governments, microfinance organizations, and the decision-makers regarding distributing funding and promoting successful micro-entrepreneur performance in the long-run.