Structural Equation Method Research Articles

Embracing the Digital Network: How Net-Entrepreneurs Acquire Online Social Capital?—A Mixed Empirical Study Based on SEM-PLS and fsQCA

Online social capital is a determinant of success for net-entrepreneurs. However, there has been limited research on how net-entrepreneurs acquire online social capital through social media. Therefore, this study aims to explore whether different digital behaviors of net-entrepreneurs lead to differences in acquiring online social capital. We conducted empirical tests using partial least square structural equation method and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on survey data from 306 Chinese agricultural net-entrepreneurs. The results revealed that digital business card (profile and state self-disclosure) significantly influences bridging online social capital (BRSC) and bonding online social capital (BOSC). Certain subcomponents of digital information and digital communication serve as significant predictors of online social capital. Furthermore, the acquisition of BRSC has three distinct configurational conditions, while BOSC has four. This study provides valuable insights for net-entrepreneurs on utilizing different digital behaviors to acquire online social capital effectively.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL OF THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN TUNISIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL PERFORMANCE

Many researchers have investigated the reasons why some social entrepreneurs are more successful than others at leading businesses and fostering their growth in developed nations, but there have been few studies on the continent of Africa. This viewpoint is relevant to the study’s focus on Tunisia. This study analyzed the relationships between the psychological capital of social entrepreneurs and the performance of social enterprises. The purpose of this study was to examine the nexus between psychological capital, social performance and the economic performance of social enterprises. The study uses a quantitative approach based on questionnaires administered to 171 social entrepreneurs. Hypothesis testing was carried out using structural equation methods on PLS 4 software. The results confirm the positive effect of the social entrepreneur’s psychological capital on the economic performance of social enterprises. Social performance exerts a double positive effect on economic performance: A direct positive effect and an indirect positive effect by acting as a moderator on the relationship between the social entrepreneur’s psychological capital and the economic performance of social enterprises. The implication of the above findings is that psychological capital is a key determinant of the performance of enterprises. Thus, social entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage in activities that can boost their psychological capital.

The government intervention effects on panic buying behavior based on online comment data mining: a case study of COVID-19 in Hubei Province, China

At the end of 2019, the world grappled with an unparalleled public health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also precipitated a global economic downturn. Concurrently, material panic buying occurred frequently. To restore benign market order, the government instituted a series of interventions to stabilize the market. This scholarly exploration dives deep into evaluating the tangible impact of these governmental measures in Hubei, China, a region which found itself at the very epicenter of the epidemic in its onset phase. Existing papers often employ structured questionnaires and structural equation methods, with small samples and limited effective information. In contrast, we used a dataset of tens of thousands of entries and employed text analysis to maximize the extraction of valid information. Through a meticulous analysis of public feedback, our findings unveil several pivotal insights: (1) The news measures of materials have the best effect. Their effectiveness, in descending order, is ranked as: material sufficiency > authority effect > market supervision > appeal and guidance; (2) Government measures during the epidemic’s initial phase exhibited a delay. After the lockdown measures, the phenomenon of large-scale buying has been formed, and the relevant material news was released later; (3) A dual approach combining authority influence with material sufficiency yielded the most favorable results. In light of these findings, the paper concludes with tailored recommendations aimed at amplifying the efficacy of government-led public opinion interventions in future crises.

PENGARUH KERJA SAMA TIM, KOMITMEN DAN MOTIVASI KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DENGAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING DI PT. INKO ORGANIK JAYA KABUPATEN SITUBONDO

At PT. Inko Organik Jaya in Situbondo Regency really needs employees who are committed to improving optimal work and utilization of human resources. And contribute to employee performance. The aim of this research is to analyze and test the influence of teamwork, commitment and work motivation on performance through job satisfaction. This research is quantitative research. The population used in this research was 33 employees of PT. Inko Organik Jaya, Situbondo Regency. The sampling technique uses saturated sampling. Data analysis and hypothesis testing in this research used the Structural Equation Method - Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM). The results of the direct influence hypothesis test using the Smart PLS 3.0 application, show that Teamwork has a positive effect on Job Satisfaction, Teamwork has a significant positive effect on Performance, Commitment has a positive but not significant effect on Job Satisfaction, Commitment has a significant positive effect on Performance, Motivation has a significant positive effect on Job Satisfaction, Motivation has a significant positive effect on Performance. The results of the indirect effect hypothesis test show that teamwork on performance through job satisfaction has a positive but not significant effect, commitment to performance through job satisfaction has a significant positive effect, motivation on performance through job satisfaction has a significantly positive effect.

The Role of Virtual Reality in Tourism Marketing: Virtual Destination Image Formation and Behavioral Intentions

ABSTRACT This research investigates the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) as a tourism marketing tool on forming virtual destination image and behavioral intentions among potential outbound Iranian tourists. With limited empirical studies on this topic, the study bridges the research gap by exploring the role of VR in shaping tourists’ perceptions and intentions. The applied quantitative research involves 302 participants, and the data is analyzed using the structural equation method in Smart PLS Software. The findings reveal that the sense of presence in the VR environment directly influences virtual cognitive and affective images, which affect the overall virtual image and subsequently behavioral intentions. This study provides valuable insights for marketers and destination managers to utilize VR for enhanced tourism marketing strategies.

Assessing Cobot’s Acceptability of French Workers: Proposition of a Model Integrating the TAM3, the ELSI and the Meaning of Work Scales

Collaborative technologies are increasingly implemented in the workplace as they are in line with the values promoted by the 5.0 industry. This research investigates the acceptability of collaborative robots (“cobots”) in French workplaces. Using a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3, the Meaning of Work Inventory and the Ethical, Legal and Social implications scale, the authors have collected the perceived acceptability of cobots from 442 French workers. A model was created using the structural equations method. The results confirm that to be accepted, a cobot should be easy to use and represent an advantage for the worker. Several beliefs influence these factors and corroborate previous findings on technology acceptability. Perceived safety is also an important factor in predicting intention to use a cobot. Finally, the more useful workers perceive their work to be, the more useful they perceive the cobot. This study can be used for stakeholders who wish to integrate cobots in their work force while caring about the human resources of their organization.

The Mediating Role of Marital Intimacy in Relation with Midlife Crisis with a Tendency toward Infidelity in Middle-Aged Men

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of marital intimacy in relation between midlife crisis and the tendency to infidelity in middle-aged men. Methods: This was a correlational research with structural equation modeling method. The statistical population of this research was made up of all men aged 40 to 60 in Razavi Khorasan province, 200 of whom were selected by convenience sampling and answered the questionnaires of marital intimacy, mid-life identity crisis, and tendency to infidelity. Data analysis was done using structural equation method using SPSS and AMOS softwares. Findings: The results of this research showed that the assumed model has a good fit. Also, the results of the analysis indicated a direct relationship between the tendency to infidelity and the midlife crisis, and there was an indirect relationship between the midlife crisis through marital intimacy on the tendency to cheat. Also, marital intimacy has an inverse and significant relationship with the independent variable of the midlife crisis, as well as marital infidelity. It has a direct and significant relationship with midlife crisis, and there is an inverse and significant relationship (-0.643) between marital infidelity and marital intimacy. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that marital intimacy has been able to play a mediating role between midlife crisis and the tendency toward infidelity. So, marital intimacy and midlife crisis can play an influential role in married life and the tendency of people to commit marital infidelity. Therefore, it is necessary to provide appropriate knowledge and training to couples who are exposed to these injuries.

The Effect of Perceived Risk and Customer Experience on Loyalty Intention for Mobile Banking: The Moderating Role of Customer Satisfaction

In the banking industry, providing a range of conventional and high-tech services is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction. One area that requires attention is mobile banking services, which need to offer an engaging experience to keep customers satisfied and loyal. However, empirically, the evidence regarding the impact of the role of mobile banking customer satisfaction on loyalty intention seems to leave room for improvement. Research indicates that customer experience and the risks involved can have a significant impact on consumer satisfaction and loyalty intention. The study is conducted using explanatory research methodology, employing a quantitative approach and adhering to the positivist paradigm. This methodology aims to elucidate the causal relationship between variables, both through direct and indirect means. The research data was analyzed using PLS-SEM, which stands for Partial Least Square Structural Equation Method. The findings indicate that perceived risk has a detrimental influence on customer satisfaction, whereas customer experience has a beneficial effect. Research has demonstrated that customer satisfaction has a clear and substantial impact on the intention of customers to remain loyal. While all indirect links are supported, it is not possible to establish a direct relationship between perceived risk and customer experience on loyalty intention. The significance of customer satisfaction lies in its ability to connect perceived risk and customer experience results with loyalty intention. This study explores the implications for literature and management about mobile banking applications and the integration of perceived risk and customer experience in shaping customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking sector. These advancements emphasize the significance of excellent customer experiences in enhancing customer happiness and loyalty. Companies must enhance client experience and strive to surpass expectations. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the concept of "customer satisfaction" and its role as a mediator can help marketing and customer relationship management strategies effectively retain and attract customers.

The structural model of marital satisfaction based on relational beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women

Introduction: Inefficiency in the process of emotion regulation prevents the emergence of efficient behaviors and appropriate coping responses to the situation in marital relationships by the individual, which seems to be influenced by relational beliefs. Aim: The present study aimed to formulate a structural model of marital satisfaction based on relational beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women. Methods: The current research was descriptive-correlation based on the method of structural equations and the statistical population of the present study consisted of all married women between the ages of 30 and 50 who were referred to counseling centers in Tehran in the first six months of 2022, among them 371 women were selected using the random clusters sampling method. The research tools included ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Relationship Belief Inventory, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation method and structural equations were used with SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 24 software. Results: The results of the present study showed there is an indirect and significant relationship between relational beliefs and marital satisfaction with the mediation of positive emotional cognitive regulation (P=0.003, Z=-2.11). There is an indirect and significant relationship between relational beliefs and marital satisfaction with the mediation of negative emotional cognitive regulation (P=0.009, Z=-1.78). Conclusion: The results showed that marital satisfaction is predicted based on communication beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women. It is suggested that couple therapists and family therapists pay attention to relational beliefs and cognitive emotion regulation strategies derived from them in counseling and couple therapy to increase marital satisfaction.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AS AN ANTECEDENT TO THE RAPID INTERNATIONALIZATION OF MOROCCAN SMES IN THE WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP FIELD

Purpose – This article aims to explore the importance of the international entrepreneurial orientation (IOE) of Moroccan women entrepreneurs (based on innovation, risk-taking and proactivity) in the speed of internationalization of Moroccan SMEs through the niche strategy as an intermediate variable. Research methodology – We adopted a quantitative study on a sample of 45 Moroccan SMEs to test the research hypotheses using the structural equation method, under Smart-PLS software. Findings – A significant relationship between the international entrepreneurial orientation of Moroccan women entrepreneurs and the speed of internationalization with the intermediation of the niche strategy. Despite well-calculated steps, innovative products and the courage to take risks on foreign markets, women entrepreneurs tend to adopt niche strategies to be more protected in the internationalization process: both to avoid direct competition from large companies and to speed up the internationalization process Research. Limitations – Theoretically, it was difficult to operationalize the phenomenon studied, for several reasons: the large number of movements in this approach, the number of variables mobilized. Methodologically, the criteria used to select the sample made it difficult to find more than 45 eligible companies (Exploratory quantitative study). Originality/Value – This article is one of the very few to combine international and women’s entrepreneurship. Furthermore, this is the first article in the field of women’s international entrepreneurship, as far as I know, that addresses the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the speed of internationalization of exporting SMEs.

EXPLORING THE LINK: HOW SERVICE QUALITY INFLUENCES STUDENT SATISFACTION AND FOSTERS LOYALTY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Student loyalty has improved the sustainable development and survival rate of private universities. The quality of universities' services is an important indicator for measuring the results of private universities. This research aims to explore the mediating role of satisfaction between service quality and student loyalty. The researcher used a random sampling method to collect data from 493 responses of students in private universities in Guangxi. Using SmartPLS 4 software, the relationship between structures was analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation method. The results indicated that service quality affected student satisfaction, which in turn influenced loyalty. However, service quality had no significant direct impact on loyalty. The impact of service quality on loyalty was indirect, as mediated by satisfaction. Therefore, while improving the quality of university services, university managers should pay more attention to the improvement of student satisfaction, and continuously promote the close connection and recognition of students with colleges and universities, to stimulate and consolidate the loyalty of students.

Impact of Management Development Strategy on Excellence Competition Using Performance as an Intervening Variable of the Private University under the LLDIKTI IX Area

This study aims to examine management development strategies for the excellence of private higher education in LLDIKTI IX. The sample in this study was 389 out of 17,589 lecturers working in 328 private universities in the LLDIKTI IX area. The statistical tools used for partial least square analysis with the Structural Equation Method and descriptive statistics. It was found that Development Academic, Curriculum Development, Support Career, and Development Education Have a significant impact on the Performance of Lecturers while Expansion of Education and Developing Competence have no significant impact. Development of Academics, Support Career, and Development of Education Have a significant impact and the Performance of Lecturers' Excellence Competition, while Expansion of Education, Curriculum Development, and Developing Competence have no significant impact on the Excellence competition in private universities in the LLDIKTI IX area.

Predicting Psychological Well-being based on Mindfulness with Mediating Role of Coping Styles

Aim: Paying attention to the level of health and psychological well-being of students as the most important future-makers of the country is of great importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and present a predictive model of their psychological well-being based on mindfulness mediated by coping styles. Methods: The method of this study was descriptive-correlational which was done by structural equation modeling method. The statistical population of the study included undergraduate students of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran (Iran), three hundred sixty five of whom participated in the study through cluster sampling. In order to collect data, mindfulness, coping styles and psychological well-being questionnaires were used. The reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis. To analyze the data, structural equation method was used with Amos software. Findings: The results of this study showed that the effect of mindfulness on problem-oriented style and psychological well-being is significantly positive, but its effect on emotion-oriented style and avoidance style is significantly negative. The effect of problem-oriented style on psychological well-being is positive and significant, but the effect of emotion-oriented style and avoidance style on psychological well-being is not significant. Also, the mediating role of problem-oriented coping style about the effect of mindfulness on psychological well-being is significant. Conclusion: The results showed that the predictive model presented has a good fit and the variables of mindfulness and problem-oriented coping style are effective in psychological well-being.

Stockholm Syndrome and Gender-Related Ideologies and Attitudes: A Psychometric Assessment

Stockholm syndrome, a paradoxical phenomenon, characteristic of the particular psychological functioning of people in captivity and victims of mistreatment, sexual abuse and gender-based violence, arouses significant interest in psychological sciences. However, the related instrumentation remains limited, due to the fact that there is not a significant number of measurements that can evaluate it. In addition, the current main measure (the <i>scale for identifying “Stockholm Syndrome” reactions in young dating women/Escala para identificar reacciones de síndrome de Estocolmo (SISSR) relacionada con violencia de pareja</i>), only exists in the English and Spanish languages; which constitutes a linguistic obstacle for its administration to individuals who speak other languages, such as French. However, the simple translation of the items of a measurement does not guarantee its reliability from a psychometric point of view. In this vein, this study proposes the translation in French and validation of the Spanish version of this measure. It also proposes, as part of testing the predictive validity of the measure, to link the construct of Stockholm syndrome with gender-related ideologies and attitudes. The validation of the French version of the Stockholm syndrome measurement scale was carried out with two samples (N = 836) consisting entirely of women. The exploratory test (EFA) carried out with 400 participants reveals a reliable tri-factorial structure of 16 elements, after the elimination of 33 elements, due to factor loadings lower than .40. The confirmatory analysis of this factorial structure, using the Structural Equation Method (CFA-SEM), carried out on a sample of 436 participants, supports the tri-factorial structure which fits the data better. Tests of factorial invariance of the measurement, depending on marital status (n1 = 215 married women; n2 = 221 concubine) reveal a structural equivalence between the groups. The predictive validity of the measure reveals that Stockholm syndrome is linked to attitudes towards gender-based violence, sexism, feminism, non-justification of the gender system and gender-based social dominance.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Recruitment in the Furniture Industry of Iran According to the Role of Contextual Factors

Abstract The present research aims to analyze the effect of contextual factors affecting the application of artificial intelligence technology in employee recruitment in the furniture industry of Iran, which is a practical purpose and has been carried out in a descriptive-surveillance manner, to find out the reasons, facilitators and limitations of its use with the presented conceptual model. Make this technology understandable to organizations during employee recruitment. To measure and analyze the effect of these factors, a questionnaire was used as an information-gathering tool, which was given to 250 senior managers and middle managers of companies active in the furniture industry of Iran. The results of the analysis of the information obtained in two descriptive and inferential parts, according to the data analysis algorithm in the method of structural equations and Smart PLS software, confirmed the hypotheses of the research and showed that the effective background factors include: technological factors, organizational and environmental have a positive and significant effect on the use of Artificial intelligence in the furniture industry in Iran, and the use of artificial intelligence as a competitive advantage improves the organizational capabilities of recruitment and recruitment (based on data, process, staff) in the furniture industry. Forgives. Also, it makes it easier to carry out “blind” Recruitment of employees processes and review frequent applications, and by simplifying the application analysis process through applicant tracking systems, it can save time and money in human resources processes and reduce discrimination in choices.

Intergovernmental Transfers and Local Revenues Again—A Relook at the Ghanaian Local Government Case

This paper revisits options for strengthening local governance by increasing own revenues in local government jurisdictions. Using stochastic frontier and recursive structural equation methods, the paper estimates the effects of central government transfers and tax effort on own revenues in the Ghanaian local government system. Results show that contrary to some recent findings that transfers reduce own revenues for local jurisdictions in Ghana, increasing transfers to local jurisdictions increases (rather than reduces) own revenues in Ghana. Further, local government performance in public service provision was found to be critical for increasing own revenues. Making the Ghanaian local government system more sustainable thus requires increasing central government transfers and providing technical support to strengthen the relationship between available public services and own revenues.

Consumers’ attention, experience, and action to organic consumption: The moderating role of anticipated pride and moral obligation

Scholars have devoted much attention to explaining consumers’ green consumption behavior as its importance continues to grow. In this study, we propose a new theoretical framework that integrates the norm activation theory (NAT), theory of reasoned action (TRA), and theory of consumption behavior (TCV) to explain consumers’ organic food consumption. First, we integrate the green consumption value (GCV) with five consumption values (functional, social, emotional, conditional, and epistemic) from the classic TCV model to explain the relationship between NAT and TRA. Second, we introduce two variables related to consumers’ source of interest: anticipated pride (individual) and moral obligation (social), which moderate the relationship between GCV and TRA. A total of 212 survey responses were collected from Chinese consumers and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation method (PLS-SEM). Our results demonstrate that NAT as an internal exposure, interpreted as an individual’s attentional factor, influences the five dimensions of GCV as an external exposure (i.e., an individual’s experiential factor), which in turn affects TRA. We also show that anticipated pride strengthens the impact of GCV on subjective norms and attitudes in the TRA, while moral obligation affects the impact of GCV on behavioral intentions only. This study contributes to the literature by proposing a more holistic model that accounts for individuals’ internal and external exposure during organic food consumption by integrating NAT, TCV, and TRA, and suggests both individual and social interests as moderators.

Trust and electronic word of mouth on purchase intention: Rating as mediator

In an increasingly digital era, trust factors, electronic word of mouth, and ratings have an important role in influencing consumer purchase intention. This study examines the effect of trust and electronic word of mouth, with ratings acting as a mediator, on the purchasing intentions of health products. The research centers on Shopee users residing in Salatiga City during COVID-19. The study sample consisted of 103 inhabitants of Salatiga City who used the Shopee marketplace. The analysis was performed using the partial least-squares structural equation method. The results suggest that trust does not significantly impact purchase intent, but the trust variable has a positive and significant impact on ratings. Moreover, purchase intent was positively and significantly affected by the rating variable. Purchase intention and evaluations are positively and significantly affected by electronic word of mouth elements. It is clear that using ratings as mediators to link trust andpurchase intention has a significant impact. In contrast, the link between electronic word of mouth and purchase intention, where rating serves as a mediator, does not indicate any significant impact.

The Impact of Dashboard Characteristics on the Utilization and Usefulness of Dashboards in Moroccan Companies

The objective of this research is to determine the impact of dashboard characteristics on the use and usefulness of dashboards of Moroccan companies. In this paper, we will first present the theoretical foundations of our research. Then, following a hypothetico-deductive approach and a positivist positioning, an explanatory model of our two variables was proposed; “Characteristics of dashboards” and “Uses and usefulness of dashboards”. In this perspective, we adopted a quantitative methodology based on a questionnaire administered online to management controllers of Moroccan companies. And finally, we tested our model with 117 Moroccan companies. The collected data is analyzed by structural equation methods (PLS) on SMARTPLS. The results of this research work made it possible to validate the hypotheses which stipulate that there is an impact of the characteristics of the dashboards on the use and usefulness of the dashboards of Moroccan companies. This work enriches previous work on dashboards

Investigating the Impact of Neuromarketing on Consumer Purchase Intention (Case Study of Sports Goods Customers in Ardabil City(

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of neuromarketing on consumer purchase intention (a case study of sports goods customers in Ardabil city). The current research is applied research in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and content. The statistical population of this research includes all private sports clubs and sellers of sports goods in Ardabil city, the sample size was 352 people considering that the statistical population is unlimited and the sampling method was clustered. The measurement tools include neuromarketing questionnaire (Azeimi et al., 2015) and consumer purchase intention questionnaire (Mahdavi, 2015). The content and form validity of the questionnaires were confirmed by the management professors and then Cronbach’s alpha reliability (AVE) was reported as 0.83 for the neuromarketing questionnaire and 0.88 for the consumer purchase intention questionnaire, respectively. The structural equation method was used for analysis using Imus version 23 and SPSS version 19 software. The findings of the research showed that neuromarketing has an effect on the purchase intention of sports goods consumers. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of neuromarketing can influence the senses and minds of customers and make consumers’ minds ready for repeat purchases.