Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on social networking sites (SNS): Roles of information credibility in shaping online purchase intention

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on social networking sites (SNS) has become crucial in shaping online consumers’ purchase intentions, reflecting the growing reliance on rich nature of user-generated content and recommendations shared on these platforms. This study aims to investigate the intricate relationships among different factors of eWOM information, including information credibility, information usefulness, information adoption, attitude towards information, and their impacts on online purchase intention. This study draws upon the Information Adoption Model (IAM) and the Information Acceptance Model (IACM) foundation theory which reveal the steps individuals take in adopting new information, and focuses on how perceptions and attitudes towards information shape acceptance. The study used a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 337 Vietnamese individuals actively engaged in eWOM activities on various SNS platforms. Statistical analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that information credibility significantly influences both information usefulness and adoption. Interestingly, while information usefulness shapes user attitudes, it does not directly impact online purchase intention. Similarly, a positive attitude toward eWOM does not necessarily lead to information adoption. This suggests that consumers may hold favorable views of eWOM content without actively adopting it. Information adoption emerges as a critical determinant of online purchase intention, emphasizing the importance of promoting user engagement and trust in eWOM information. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of online consumer behavior and provide valuable guidance for stakeholders seeking to leverage eWOM effectively in digital marketing.

Leveraging digital transformation on the path to sustainable development: the role of excellence models

PurposeThis study explores how excellence models can leverage digital transformation on the path to sustainable development in organisations.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to study the different facets of digital capabilities and their impact on sustainable development success of organisations holding an external recognition from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) combined with Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) were used to analyse data.FindingsInternalising excellence practices is decisive in mediating effective digital capabilities to achieve sustainable development. To achieve high levels of sustainable development success, organisations must achieve high levels of excellence practices internalisation, which are much more important than the excellence model external recognition.Research limitations/implicationsThis study addresses essential issues with theoretical and practical value but is limited to a sample of organisations with EFQM recognition in two countries. Future studies should address different organisations and cultural environments.Practical implicationsThe findings are relevant for organisations facing digital transformation and sustainable development challenges. They are essential for managers leveraging digital capabilities to capitalise on practices and processes and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Organisations can benefit from a multidimensional approach to digital capabilities when struggling against external challenges.Originality/valueThis study closes a research gap regarding the impact of digital capabilities on sustainable development success. It is the first empirical study to combine sufficiency and necessity conditions analyses to explore the mediating role of excellence practices internalisation and one of the first to address digital capabilities from a multidimensional perspective.

The Influence of Educational Technology, Social Interaction and Learning Style on Learning Outcomes with Learning Interest as An Intervening Variable in Class X Students in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Makassar City

This research aims to gain knowledge and understanding regarding the influence of educational technology, social interaction and learning styles on learning outcomes with interest in learning as an intervening variable in class X students at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Makassar City. The method used is quantitative research techniques with descriptive research type. The sample in this study was 113 class X students. Data analysis used the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The research results obtained were that Educational Technology, Social Interaction and Learning Style had a significant effect on the Learning Outcomes of class X students. Interest in Learning was able to mediate Educational Technology on Learning Outcomes. Interest in Learning is able to mediate Social Interaction on Learning Outcomes. Learning Interest is able to mediate Learning Style on Learning Outcomes.

Advancements and forecasts of digital taxation information systems usage and its impact on tax compliance: does trust and awareness make difference?

Purpose The main purpose of the current study was to develop a new research model in the hope of providing a further understanding of Digital Taxation Information Systems (DTIS) usage and its impact on tax compliance by investigating the mediating role of trust in e-government services (TIE) and the moderating role of awareness (AW) toward these systems. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method approach with Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the data collected. Findings The results indicated that DTIS usage is influenced by perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude (ATT), knowledge (KN), subjective norm (SN), AW and TIE. Contrary to what is expected, AW does not moderate the association between SN and DTIS usage. Eventually, the results also revealed that TIE has mediated the association between trust in government (TIG) and DTIS usage. Originality/value This study provides thought-provoking empirical pieces of evidence about understanding the situation of DTIS usage and its impact on tax compliance among academic professors in Jordan. Furthermore, the study outcomes and discussion presented will help the Jordanian government improve and comprehensively formulate strategies to increase the tax compliance procedure.

Combating green innovation in Italian luxury hotels: combination of social cognitive theory and natural resource-based view

PurposeThe objective of this investigation is to examine the correlation between green transformational leadership (GTL) and organizational green innovation (GI) by employing a mediation model. Drawing upon the social cognitive theory and natural resource-based view, the present study explores the role of green creativity (GC) as a mediating variable in the relationship between GTL and GI in the hotel industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in Italian luxury hotels to assess the efficacy of our conceptual framework among workers in the hospitality industry. The study utilized a three-wave 2-week time-lagged design (N = 303). In addition, the study also intends to apply the Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and the fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to have distinctive discernment into model rapport.FindingsThe results of the study indicate the linkage between GTL and GI. Furthermore, the study also found the partial mediation of GC of employees. The results show numerous combinations using fsQCA that can be utilized to increase green performance (GP).Originality/valueThe study helps the hotel industry maximize its performance by unravelling irregular relationships. Therefore, it contributes by explaining previously unexplored factors and elucidating causal recipes to build a higher GP base through GTL, GC and GI. The research findings hold significant implications for comprehending the effects of GTL on organizational GI as well as its influence on GP. The limitations of the study are discussed for avenues of future research.

Influence Brand Experience, Perceived Quality, And Brand Love On Brand Loyalty For Purchasing Janji Jiwa Products

This research aims to analyze the influence of variables brand experience, perceived quality, value, brand love to brand loyalty. This research uses a quantitative method approach through techniques purposive sampling. This research obtained 192 respondents, respondents aged 18-35 years, domiciled in JABODETABEK (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi), and had purchased Janji Jiwa products more than once. This research uses the method Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS).The results of this research show brand loyalty formed because it is influenced by value and brand love. Next, increase perceived quality influenced by brand experience, brand experience and perceived quality influence on value. The findings of this research can be used as an assessment of the Janji Jiwa product in increasing customer loyalty. Janji Jiwa’s brand is a coffee shop in Indonesia that is liked by many people. A positive customer experience regarding the purchase of Janji Jiwa products can expand the Janji Jiwa brand.

Factors that influence mental health and well-being of high-performance athletes from Olympic or Paralympic sport who have transitioned out of national-level or international-level sport: a mixed methods approach

Transitioning out of elite sports can be a challenging time for athletes. To illuminate the gaps and opportunities in existing support systems and better understand which initiatives may have the...

Double-edged sword effects of green HRM on employee organizational citizenship behavior for the environment: interactive effects and mediation mechanisms

PurposeEmployee green behavior contributes to the achievement of hospitality organizations’ sustainability goals. However, there is a need to examine how green human resource management (GHRM) fosters employees’ green behavior. Anchored on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we anticipate that GHRM may have double-edged effects on employees’ organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) via two opposing mechanisms (e.g. environmental passion and emotional exhaustion). Moreover, we expect that the relationship of GHRM on environmental passion and emotional exhaustion depends on environmentally specific empowering leadership (ESEL).Design/methodology/approachThe data were garnered from 356 hospitality employees in Pakistan and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings revealed a significant and positive link between GHRM and employee OCBE and environmental passion and a significant and negative relationship between GHRM and emotional exhaustion. Similarly, the link between environmental passion and employee OCBE was significant and positive and between emotional exhaustion and employee OCBE was significant and negative. Our results indicate that the impact of GHRM on OCBE among hospitality employees was mediated by environmental passion and emotional exhaustion. Further, ESEL strengthened the association of GHRM with environmental passion while mitigating the effect of GHRM on emotional exhaustion.Originality/valueAnchored on the COR theory, our study provides novel empirical evidence by investigating the mechanisms and boundary conditions between GHRM and employee OCBE nexus in the hospitality realm.

The effect of consumer-perceived COVID-19 ad value on health-protective behavior: Mediating role of engagement

Though the pandemic has passed, social media-based messaging continues to exhibit COVID-19-related cues (e.g., wearing a face mask to stay safe), continuing to foster consumers’ health-protective behavior. However, it remains unclear how social media communications (e.g., advertising) affect such behavior, exposing an important literature-based gap. Addressing this gap, we deploy Ducoffe’s advertising value model to examine how pandemic-related advertisements (e.g., those urging consumers to stay safe, including post-the pandemic) impact their health-protective behavior. We also examine how consumer engagement (CE) mediates these associations. To explore these issues, we collected data from a sample of 301 Gen Z consumers, which was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). We find that informative, credible, irritating, and obtrusive ads raise consumer engagement and health-protective behavior. Engagement was also found to strengthen these associations, revealing their strategic value. We conclude by outlining important theoretical and practical implications that arise from our analyses.

Evaluating the barriers affecting cybersecurity behavior in the Metaverse using PLS-SEM and fuzzy sets (fsQCA)

While offering novel user experiences, the Metaverse introduces complex cybersecurity challenges due to the sophisticated interaction of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and web technologies. Addressing the barriers to cybersecurity behavior is essential to protect users against risks such as identity theft and loss of digital assets. Therefore, this research aims to investigate these barriers by developing a theoretical model that draws factors from the Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT) and considers variables such as privacy concerns, perceived risks, and response costs. The data were collected from 395 Metaverse users and were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). The PLS-SEM findings showed that perceived threats, privacy concerns, and response costs have a significant negative impact on cybersecurity behavior, while perceived risks have an insignificant negative influence. The fsQCA results revealed that there is not a single pathway leading to robust cybersecurity behavior. Instead, eight configurations that include the presence and absence of certain conditions can lead to this desirable outcome. The findings not only advance the academic conversation on Metaverse security but also offer actionable strategies for stakeholders to reinforce user protection in this dynamic virtual environment.

Efficiency analysis using SBM and PLS-SEM: insights from the Italian judicial system

AbstractRecent governmental concerns regarding the persistent long duration of judicial proceedings have drawn attention to efficiency issues in this sector. This paper provides insights into the Italian scenario, investigating potential relationships between Italian judicial efficiency and several latent constructs identified as relatively more significant than others. For this purpose, a two-step procedure was used, considering data envelopment analysis (DEA), precisely the slacks-based measure (SBM), and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Beyond ranking courts according to their technical efficiency, findings reveal that judicial efficiency has significant relationships with performance, quality and context features. At the same time, results do not show evidence to support a relationship with proceeding features. What emerges from the work is that the analysis of heterogeneity seems to offer relevant evaluation leverage, and significant differences appear among Italian courts. These insights and the model provided would represent a useful analysis tool for specific policy assessments, supporting the evaluation of regulatory measures and structural reforms relevant to judicial administration.

Analysing the Adoption of Wealthtech by Individual Investors for Investment Services

This research investigates the adoption of Wealthtech among individual investors in India using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). A convenience sample technique was employed, gathering data from 280 participants through an online survey. The study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model as the theoretical framework to examine the factors influencing the intention to use Wealthtech. Additionally, the role of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness in shaping attitudes toward Wealthtech adoption is explored. The results from the PLS-SEM analysis show significant positive associations between Attitude and Perceived Behavioral Control with the intention to use Wealthtech. These insights can help financial institutions tailor Wealthtech platforms to meet investor preferences, fostering increased adoption among individual investors. Regulatory authorities can use these findings to enhance accessibility and acceptance of Wealthtech solutions by fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation.

Servant leadership and service recovery performance: influence of creative adaptability and employee psychological well-being

PurposeThis study draws on insights from the theory of conservation of resources to explore the impact of servant leadership (SL), creative adaptability (CA), and psychological well-being (PWB) on the service recovery performance (SRP) of employees. More specifically, the objective of this study is twofold: one to ascertain whether employees' service recovery performance would increase significantly after their exposure to SL, and two, to determine whether CA and PWB serially mediate the link between SL and SRP.Design/methodology/approachTo analyze the data collected from a sample of 371 air service providers’ front-line employees (FLEs), partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed.FindingsThe result indicated that SL was positively related to SRP. Likewise, the results of the serial mediation analysis showed that CA and PWB independently and serially mediated the SL-SRP relationship. This study makes significant contributions to the literature on SL and SRP.Originality/valueThis study adds to the growing body of research on how FLEs effectively deal with customers who are dissatisfied with their service failure experiences. Specifically, this research expands on previous results by proving the favorable effect of leadership style on FLE’s service recovery performance. In addition, the current study examines how effective service recovery is by assessing the employee’s resources based on COR theory. Finally, this research provides new insight into the influence of SL on SRP through the serial mediation of CA and FLE’s well-being.

Going beyond the untold facts in PLS–SEM and moving forward

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss recent criticism related to partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).Design/methodology/approachUsing a combination of literature reviews, empirical examples, and simulation evidence, this research demonstrates that critical accounts of PLS-SEM paint an overly negative picture of PLS-SEM’s capabilities.FindingsCriticisms of PLS-SEM often generalize from boundary conditions with little practical relevance to the method’s general performance, and disregard the metrics and analyses (e.g., Type I error assessment) that are important when assessing the method’s efficacy.Research limitations/implicationsWe believe the alleged “fallacies” and “untold facts” have already been addressed in prior research and that the discussion should shift toward constructive avenues by exploring future research areas that are relevant to PLS-SEM applications.Practical implicationsAll statistical methods, including PLS-SEM, have strengths and weaknesses. Researchers need to consider established guidelines and recent advancements when using the method, especially given the fast pace of developments in the field.Originality/valueThis research addresses criticisms of PLS-SEM and offers researchers, reviewers, and journal editors a more constructive view of its capabilities.

Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Gambling Severity in Youth Online Gamblers: The Mediating Roles of Internalizing, Attention and Externalizing Problems.

This study examined the association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Gambling Severity (gambling severity), considering the mediating roles of internalizing, externalizing, and attention among youth online gamblers. 762 youth (agemean±SD= 15.03 ± 2.40; agerange = 10-18 years; 75.3% boys) completed the Persian Gambling Disorder Screening Questionnaire (GDSQ-P), Pediatric Symptom Checklist - Youth Report (Y-PSC), and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire (ACE's section, modified by authors). The analysis was done using the SMART PLS software. The reliability and discriminant validity of the provided model were assessed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). According to the results of the PLS-SEM analysis, the present model demonstrated suitable levels of reliability and validity. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly affected attention, internalizing, externalizing problems, and gambling severity. Additionally, the level of gambling was directly correlated with ACEs. Moreover, the indirect influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable via the mediators was found to be statistically significant (P < .001).These findings suggest that externalizing behaviors, attention problems, and internalizing symptoms mediate the effect of ACEs on gambling severity. Lastly, fitness indices indicated that our proposed model fit the data well (SRMR = 0.06, d_ULS = 1.15, Chi-square = 1291.461, and NFI = 0.71). Our study found that ACEs significantly influence gambling severity among youth online gamblers, with internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems mediating this relationship. Practical implications include integrating ACE screening and targeted interventions for associated mental health issues into youth gambling prevention programs to mitigate the risk of problematic gambling behavior.

Before and during COVID-19: the roles of transformational leadership, organizational culture and work–life balance in healthcare

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the role of transformational leadership and organizational culture – encompassing Clan, Adhocracy, Hierarchical and Market Cultures – in the context of work–life balance for healthcare workers. It aims to present a comparison of observations made pre and mid-pandemic.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data from a varied sample of 355 employees (258 before and 97 during the pandemic) representing multiple sectors and positions within a hospital. The interpretation of the data was accomplished using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFindings reveal that prior to the pandemic, transformational leadership significantly influenced all forms of organizational culture perceptions, with a strong influence on Clan Culture. Clan Culture displayed a consistent positive correlation with WLB both before and during the pandemic. During the pandemic, Market Culture exhibited a negative effect on WLB and Adhocracy Culture demonstrated a positive effect, impacts which were absent before the pandemic. Transformational leadership had a positive impact on WLB before the pandemic, but no discernible effect during the pandemic was observed.Originality/valueThe results indicate that the dynamics between transformational leadership, organizational culture and work–life balance are susceptible to alterations in the face of external crisis events. This study offers a unique exploration of these dynamics in the healthcare sector during the ongoing global pandemic.

The effects of game mechanics on user retention in using social live streaming services

PurposeSocial live streaming services (SLSS) have infused gamification into interface design and feature applications. Firms adopt gamification mechanisms to win customer loyalty in the live streaming and SLSS markets. Based on the mechanics-dynamics-aesthetics (MDA) framework and uses and gratifications 2.0 theory (UGT 2.0), this study aims to investigate the effects of game mechanics (mechanics) on enjoyment and user retention (aesthetics) through rewards and social interaction (dynamics) in the context of SLSS.Design/methodology/approachThis study used an online survey via Google Forms, SurveyCake and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Line to collect data from 232 SLSS users in Taiwan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyze the data.FindingsThe results validated the relationships between game mechanics and dynamic elements (rewards and social interaction) that triggered aesthetic elements (enjoyment feelings) among users. In addition, users experienced a sense of enjoyment that led to usage retention when using the gamified SLSS. Further, this study found enjoyment crucial for users to stay interactive with gamified services.Originality/valueDriven by UGT 2.0, this study closed the gaps by integrating the MDA framework into the SLSS context and better understanding how game mechanics are connected to rewards and social interaction, leading to enjoyment and user retention when using SLSS. This study provides fresh insights into gamification-oriented SLSS practices. It offers significant theoretical and managerial implications and provides guidelines for SLSS platform operators on fostering user retention.

MOTIVATING FOR INNOVATING: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REGULATORY FOCUS AND WORKPLACE INNOVATION

Understanding employee motivation is central to fostering workplace innovation (WPI) within firms for enhanced quality of working life and work performance. This research examines the relationship between WPI and the promotion and prevention orientations for motivation proposed by regulatory focus theory (RFT). Survey responses from 309 service industry employees and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) aid in empirically assessing this relationship. Survey results indicate a positive relationship between the promotion focus of RFT and the dimensions of WPI, but not the prevention focus. The study also finds empirical support for the relationship between regulatory focus and the innovative climate of service industry firms. Guided by these findings, this study encourages managers to savvily work on workplace climate-based development and promotion-based organisational designs for initiatives and action plans that foster WPI.

Role of influencer–follower congruence in influencing followers’ food choices and brand advocacy: mediating role of perceived trust

PurposeThis study attempts to encapsulate the idea of influencer marketing in the food sector and the vital role played by food influencers in shaping the dietary preferences, tastes and decisions of their social media followers and turning them into brand advocates.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey of 383 social media users, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was undertaken to validate the proposed research design. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology was used to analyze the data and test the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results confirm the validity and reliability of the research model. The research revealed the positive influence of influencer–follower demographics and attitude congruence on followers’ food choices, which in turn leads to followers’ delight and significantly impacts their brand advocacy. It also depicts how followers’ perceived trust in an influencer mediates the relationship between their similarity with the influencers, their food choices and brand advocacy.Originality/valueThe study proposes a new theoretical framework and empirically tests the effectiveness of influencer marketing in influencing social media users’ food choice behavior and brand advocacy through the medium of followers’ congruence with social media influencers. The findings offer noteworthy theoretical and managerial implications for academicians as well as marketing practitioners.

Assessing the role of organizational strategic factors in stimulating green innovation performance: moderating effects of green absorptive capacity

PurposeThis study investigates the interaction between organizational strategic factors (Leadership and management support [LMS] and green learning orientation [GLO]) and green innovation performance (GIP), through the lens of resource-based view (RBV) theory. It examines both the direct and indirect impacts of these factors on GIP via green knowledge management (GKM), and explores how green absorptive capacity (GAC) enhances these relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and moderated mediation analysis, we analyzed responses from 419 individuals across 154 manufacturing firms in Pakistan to understand these dynamics.FindingsResults show that LMS and GLO significantly affect GIP, both directly and indirectly, through GKM. Furthermore, GAC intensifies the impact of GLO on GKM and the influence of GKM on GIP, indicating a moderated mediation effect.Practical implicationsHighlighting the importance of LMS, GLO, GKM, and GAC, the study suggests that focusing on these areas can help firms align their strategies with sustainability goals, enhancing their GIP. These insights can guide policymakers in creating supportive strategies for businesses to improve their GAC, facilitating better knowledge adoption and application.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the RBV theory by clarifying the role of strategic organizational factors in enhancing GIP within manufacturing firms, offering a clearer path to achieving sustainability goals.