Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

The moderating effect of system quality on the relationship between customer satisfaction and purchase intention: PLS-SEM & fsQCA approaches

The study aims to understand the antecedents of customer satisfaction that lead to high purchase intention, encompassing moderating role of system quality to achieve purchase intention. Theoretically, this research employs the technology acceptance model to examine the proposed relationship and complexity theory to employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) as a robust complementary method to the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The proposed conceptual model is measured using data gathered from online customers in Bangladesh's electronic market. A survey of 311 e-commerce customers, using PLS-SEM and fsQCA models, reveals that factors influencing customer satisfaction are strongly linked to achieving purchase intention. The findings from PLS-SEM show that perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment are highly supported by purchase intention. Similarly, system quality influences purchase intention and acts as a moderator. In the fsQCA analysis, hedonic motivation and perceived enjoyment are necessary conditions to achieve a high purchase intention. The hybrid models add the methodological contribution by combining both symmetric and asymmetric relationships, thereby providing a holistic understanding of system quality as a moderating factor to achieve high purchase intention, especially in the context of the e-commerce market in Bangladesh. This research outlines implications for the theoretical and managerial perspectives to build a better relationship between factors of satisfaction and purchase intention and enable policymakers to contribute better managerial decisions.

The Influence of Word of Mouth and Perceived Value on Parents' Decisions to Choose Kids Republic Jakarta School

This study aims to analyze the influence of Word of Mouth (WoM) and perceived value on parents' decisions to enroll their children at Sekolah Kids Republic Jakarta, an early childhood education institution (PAUD) located in Jakarta. The population for this study comprised 204 parents of students currently enrolled at Sekolah Kids Republic Jakarta. A sample of 68 parents was selected using a sampling technique with a 10% margin of error. The analysis used the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The study yielded the following findings: (1) Perceived value has a significant and dominant influence on parents' decisions in choosing Sekolah Kids Republic Jakarta; (2) Word of Mouth (WoM) has a relatively weak and statistically insignificant influence on these decisions; and (3) The combined effect of WoM and perceived value moderately explains the variance in parents' decisions, supporting the hypothesis that both variables together significantly influence decision-making, with perceived value playing a more dominant role.

Employee well-being as a mediating variable in sustainable human resource management, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals: A structural equation modeling approach

ABSTRACT Sustainable human resource management is a concept gaining attention worldwide from researchers and practitioners. This article is focused on nursing and exploring the influence of Sustainable Human Resource Management (SHRM) on Employee Well-Being (EWB) and the impact of EWB on Organizational Commitment (OC) and Job Satisfaction (JS) of healthcare employees. The study highlighted the need for hospital organizations to develop sustainable human resource management to enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals. A well-structured questionnaire (adapted, validated, and pre-tested) was prepared. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS 4.0 was employed for testing the hypothetical relationships. Using the proportionate sampling technique, data were collected from 452 healthcare professionals employed in 55 private and 56 public sector hospitals in Punjab, India. The findings of the study revealed that there exists a significant relationship between SHRM and Employee WB, and employee well-being directly influences OC and JS. Moreover, study findings also revealed that employee well-being partially mediates the relationship between SHRM as an independent variable; and OC and JS as dependent variables.

Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Nature-Based Solutions in Northeast China: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Approach

The academic field has limited studies on implementing nature-based solutions (NbSs) in Chinese agriculture, especially regarding households’ and farmers’ attitudes toward the acceptance of agricultural NbS technologies. Based on this, this study aims to fill this knowledge gap by examining the factors behind farmers’ agricultural practices of NbS adoption in Northeast China. Accordingly, this paper constructs an extended theoretical framework of planned behavior (TPB) and empirically tests it using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on data from 298 farmers in Inner Mongolia. It was found that incorporating institutional trust (IT) into TPB improves the prediction of Chinese farmers’ intention to de-farm behavior. Unlike previous studies, this study identified two indirect pathways influencing farmers’ intention to adopt agricultural NbS technologies: from institutional trust through attitude to intention, and from institutional trust through perceived behavioral control to intention. The findings broaden the research perspective in this area, provide empirical evidence for the application of NbSs in agricultural practices in China and other developing countries, and demonstrate in practice that NbS has been promoted as an essential tool to maximize nature’s ability to provide ecosystem services and create direct economic benefits for farmers through increased yields and reduced costs.

Governmental Policies and Sustainable Outcomes in EU: How Innovations Change the Game?

Environmental degradation is one of the main challenges in today's world. Impact on the environment can be reduced through the introduction of clean and more efficient technologies. And innovation plays a crucial role in this process by replacing old equipment and methods. There are different ways how researchers understand sustainable innovations and sustainable innovation ecosystems. The terms "sustainable" and "sustainable development" have become very widely used in recent years. Sustainability is crucially important for the development of regions and national economies. Existing literature on the topic of sustainable innovation ecosystems includes vague and ambiguous definitions of sustainable innovation, as well as ways to measure it. A number of studies analyse the impact of different factors on conventional innovations and eco-innovations. However, not enough research has been done on the effects of innovations on all three dimensions of sustainable innovations, which are economic, environmental, and social. The aim of the article is to define whether governmental policies that promote innovation and sustainable development lead to environmental, social, and economic improvements in the EU countries. Our study uses the Eurostat data for 27 European Union countries. The literature review will include studies on sustainable innovation ecosystems. In the second chapter, we will describe the sustainable innovation ecosystems and ways to measure the sustainable outcomes of innovations. We study sustainable innovation ecosystems on a national level. We use partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to determine the influence of governmental policies on sustainable outcomes, with product and process innovation as mediating variables. Under sustainable outcomes, we mean the economic, social, and environmental improvements on a national scale. The analysis is based on applying a quantitative method with empirical data using SmartPLS software. The results demonstrated a significant direct impact of governmental policies on innovation, as well as on environmental and social outcomes. However, they showed no indirect impacts connected to innovations. The results contribute to the current state of knowledge on sustainable innovation ecosystems and give policymakers valuable insights on factors that influence such ecosystems.

Financial Constraints vs Green Practices: Impact on Firm Value Energy in Indonesia

The impact of eco-efficiency, asset turnover, green accounting, and financial limitations on business value in the energy industry on the Indonesia Stock Exchange is examined in this study for the years 2020–2022. SmartPLS 3 was used to analyze financial statement data from 52 energy sector companies using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The findings indicate that while financial limitations have no discernible impact on corporate value, green accounting, asset turnover, and eco-efficiency do. The results of this study have significant implications for understanding the variables affecting business performance and value in the energy industry, as well as the significance of asset turnover, eco-efficiency measures, and green accounting in raising firm value. This research is expected to contribute to practitioners, regulators, and stakeholders in Indonesia's energy sector in the future to understand the influence of these factors.

Catalysts of social change and innovation: Mediating role of social self-efficacy and social support on social entrepreneurial intentions

There has been a recent surge in social entrepreneurship to address pressing social problems. Social ventures drive positive change and reshape traditional business norms by providing innovative solutions and fostering inclusive growth. Social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) is crucial to studying social entrepreneurship since it sheds light on the underlying motivations and factors that drive people to engage in social enterprise. The study examines empathy, moral obligation, perceived social support, social self-efficacy, risk-taking motive, and innovativeness as determinants of SEI. Data collected through an online questionnaire from 349 commerce and management students were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results reveal a significant influence of social self-efficacy, perceived social support, risk-taking motive, and innovativeness on SEI. Notably, the results highlight an indirect influence of empathy and moral obligation on SEI mediated by social self-efficacy and perceived social support. The study also reveals how social vision and social proactiveness relate to social self-efficacy. The findings have significant implications for encouraging social entrepreneurship. Policymakers and educators may use these insights to develop specific activities that assist prospective social entrepreneurs by enhancing the attributes that affect their desire to establish social ventures.

Micro-level Contributions Towards SDG Target 12.3: Identifying the Behavioural Drivers of Household Food Waste Reduction

In many Western countries, household food waste is by far the largest contributor to the overall total food waste and threatens the sustainability of the food system. In order to identify the factors that influence households’ food waste decisions and to predict behaviour towards food waste, the paper employs perspectives from the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the expectation, motivation and attitude (EMA) model. This paper extends the TPB model by adding the construct of affective states, since there is strong empirical support for this. Data from respondents in the UK who were responsible for purchasing household food and making food-related decisions were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that for the TPB, an individual’s attitude, PBC and affect had a statistically significant direct association with consumers’ intention to reduce food waste. In addition, the results show a direct positive association between intentions to reduce food waste and actual food waste behaviour. For the EMA, expectation influences motivation and attitude. Compared to the EMA, the TPB proves to be relatively good predictive models for understanding determinants of food waste reduction. The TBP also supports incorporating elements such as affective states, considering that the additional construct in the model contributes to improving understanding of consumers’ intention to reduce food waste. Collectively, household food waste can be reduced by avenues that influence individuals’ positive attitudes, increases the expectation that food waste reduction behaviour is within one’s control and evokes a positive affective state when food waste is reduced in households. JEL Classification: D1, D12, F64, Q53

The Influence of Managerial Communication, Workload, and Compensation on Turnover Intention with Job Satisfaction as a Mediation Variable on XYZ Insurance Employees in Tangerang

This study aims to determine the influence of managerial communication, workload, and compensation on turnover intention, with job satisfaction serving as a mediating variable. The study was conducted at the XYZ Insurance office in Tangerang, involving 138 employees, with sample size determined using the Krejcie-Morgan formula and purposive sampling method. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed via Google Forms, containing 40 questions with 1-5 Likert scale. The data was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results indicate that managerial communication, workload, and compensation negatively affect turnover intention among XYZ Insurance employees. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between managerial communication, workload, and compensation on turnover intention.

Analysis of the Influence of Psychological Empowerment, Relational Psychological Contract, and Pay Satisfaction on Turnover Intention mediated by Work Engagement in Employees

The tendency of generation Z, which is the newest group in the workforce, to leave their jobs is significant both globally and in Indonesia. This research aims to reveal the impact of salary satisfaction, psychological empowerment, and relational psychological contract on turnover intention, with work engagement as a mediator. Using a quantitative research design that adopts a cross-sectional approach, data was obtained from 220 generation Z employees. Data analysis was carried out using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The research results show that there is a direct influence of psychological empowerment on turnover intention, while the relational psychological contract and salary satisfaction do not have a direct influence. Additionally, work engagement was identified as a mediating factor in the relationship between psychological empowerment, relational psychological contract, pay satisfaction, and turnover intention.

“Integrated model perspective of capital theory, TPB and SCCT towards determining business students' digital entrepreneurial intention in developing country context”

The current research studies aim to investigate antecedents that influence business graduate students' digital entrepreneurial intention (DEI) to establish digital start-up ventures by employing the capital theory, theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and social cognitive career theory (SCCT) model. Using quantitative and convenience sampling methods, 564 self-reported primary survey data were collected through an online questionnaire from business graduates in Karnataka, India. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse survey data and empirically test the hypothesis. Findings suggest that digital entrepreneurial competence, digital entrepreneurial knowledge, digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy, digital innovative cognition, subjective norms, information technology culture, perceived behaviour control and social media influence antecedents significantly influence digital entrepreneurial attitudes towards DEI. Hence, digital entrepreneurial education and digital entrepreneurial role models are insignificant in influencing digital entrepreneurial attitudes towards DEI. Furthermore, business students' digital entrepreneurial attitudes significantly influence digital entrepreneurial intention towards creating digital-based start-up ventures. These research findings and results will contribute to governments, collegiate education departments, universities, and societal supporting systems to develop a framework and policies regarding technical and entrepreneurial education systems and create digital start-up ecosystems in the Indian context.

Resident Participation in Environmental Governance of Sustainable Tourism in Rural Destination

The rapid development of rural tourism has placed significant pressure on the rural environment, and relying solely on the government and market forces is insufficient for effective governance. It is urgent to integrate endogenous rural forces into environmental governance. The development of social behavior theory offers new insights into exploring sustainable approaches for resident participation in environmental governance in rural tourism areas. This paper, based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theoretical framework from social behavior theory, outlines the entire process of rural tourism residents transitioning from individual stimuli to psychological responses and ultimately to participation in environmental governance. This study combines the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) model to analyze the stimulus factors affecting local residents and jointly constructs a path mechanism model for resident participation in environmental governance in rural tourism areas. A total of 462 valid questionnaires were collected through a survey, and the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used for empirical testing to determine the path coefficients between variables. On this basis, a system dynamics model was constructed to simulate the dynamic evolution of the relationships between variables. This study found the following: (1) In the process of rural tourism, residents’ participation in environmental governance relies on motivational factors at the stimulus level to play a core leading role; opportunity factors act as catalysts, and ability factors serve as auxiliaries; participation willingness at the organism level plays a crucial role. (2) Material pursuit and formal institutions are the strongest single sustainable factors for residents’ participation in environmental governance in rural tourism areas; combinations of variables such as local attachment, governance knowledge, and governance identity have significant effects. It is recommended that future rural tourism leverage government guidance, coordinate interests, and adhere to a collaborative development approach to ensure the sustainable development of the rural tourism environment.

Customer satisfaction optimization: Impact of PLN mobile application and price in the context of PT. PLN Palembang services

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the PLN Mobile application and price on customer satisfaction at PT. PLN (Persero) UP3 Palembang ULP Rivai. This study also examines the role of price as a mediating variable in the relationship between the PLN Mobile application and customer satisfaction. The method used in this study is a quantitative approach with data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Primary data were collected through a survey involving 100 PLN Mobile customer respondents. The results of the analysis show that the PLN Mobile application has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction, with a path coefficient of 5.588 and a p-value <0.001. Price also has a significant effect on customer satisfaction with a path coefficient of 4.434 and a p-value <0.001. Furthermore, the indirect effect analysis revealed that price functions as a partial mediating variable between the PLN Mobile application and customer satisfaction, with a path coefficient of 3.513 and a p-value <0.001. These findings indicate that the PLN Mobile application and price directly affect customer satisfaction, and price plays an important role in strengthening the influence of the PLN Mobile application on satisfaction. Based on these results, it is recommended that PT. PLN continues to optimize the features and services of the PLN Mobile application to improve customer satisfaction and consider competitive pricing strategies. This study also suggests further studies to explore other factors that may affect customer satisfaction in the public service sector.

Developing and validating a scale for entrepreneurial marketing orientations: EMICO framework and its impact on business performance in startups

PurposeAlthough marketing is essential for a firm’s survival and growth, a set of entrepreneurial strategic orientations may help it gain a competitive advantage. Entrepreneurial marketing (EM) is critical for growing businesses to succeed in today's fast-paced industry. The present study aims to measure the role of EM on the business performance (BP) of Indian startups.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, a thorough literature review was conducted to develop a scale from the proposed conceptual framework – EMICO by Jones and Rowley (2009b). To assess the reliability and validity of the scale (62 items), the data are analyzed by employing partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe scale is empirically tested, and the results lead to discussions. The results show the positive impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), marketing orientation (MO), innovation orientation (IO) and customer orientation (CO) on the BP of the startups. The paper concludes by suggesting managerial and practical implications, also providing future research agenda.Originality/valueOur objective is to address the existing dearth of comprehensive scales for evaluating EM by undertaking a rigorous statistical approach. Notably, our research represents the pioneering effort in adopting the EMICO framework and subsequently formulating and empirically validating a robust scale specifically tailored for nascent or small-scale startups within the Indian context.

What can talent management do about involuntary remote working in the post-COVID-19 era? Spanish IT employees’ organizational commitment

The purpose of this study is to understand the role of professional isolation and work–family balance (WFB) as talent retention strategies, considering organizational commitment (OC) and the mediating role of job satisfaction (JS) among IT employees in the technological industry have been forced by their companies to telework. While previous research has examined the connections between professional isolation (PI), OC, WFB, and JS separately in the context of teleworking, this research proposes an integrative model examining the connections between all these work-related constructs and allowing for mediating and moderating effects. It focuses on IT employees in the technological industry forced to telework, a setting underexamined by previous literature. The final sample is composed of 294 teleworkers forced to work partly at home by their companies. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied, and SmartPLS 4.0.8.7 software was used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. Our results indicate a positive and significant direct effect of WFB on JS and OC, a negative and significant effect of PI on JS and OC, and a positive and significant effect of JS on OC. Our results also indicate that JS mediates the relationship between WFB and OC and between PI and OC and that neither time spent teleworking nor gender moderates the association between PI and OC. Overall, our results suggest that while PI negatively affects OC, JS, and WFB are the most relevant determinants of OC in the context of teleworking. In addition, a complementary IPMA analysis reinforces this view by suggesting that WFB and JS are the most important factors in determining OC performance among IT employees working from home, while PI is not important. The originality of this article is the proposal of an integrative model examining the connections between JS, WFB, PI, and OC and allowing for mediating (JS) and moderating (gender and percentage of time teleworking) effects from a talent management perspective. Moreover, this study focuses on information technology companies and the situation of forced remote working, two settings that have been underexamined. The results could help companies with forced teleworking develop effective strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent in the information technology industry in the post-pandemic era. It is important for practitioners to consider the interactions between diverse work-related dimensions and the mediating and moderating effects between them to efficiently implement talent management strategies and reinforce OC and, in turn, economic performance.

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Green Innovative Work Behavior: The Role of Green Soft and Hard Talent Management with a Dual Theoretical Lens

The implementation of green initiatives by hospitality employees can significantly enhance the environmental sustainability of hospitality firms. However, there is a lack of research exploring the mechanisms influencing hospitality employees’ green innovative work behavior (GIWB). Through the mediation paths of green soft talent management (GSTM) and green hard talent management (GHTM), this study seeks to investigate how entrepreneurial leadership promotes GIWB. The data from 366 employees and managers in Pakistan’s hospitality industry were collected through a survey method using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that the effects of entrepreneurial leadership on GIWB, the direct effects of GSTM and GHTM, and the interaction effects between entrepreneurial leadership and GIWB are substantial. Based on the upper echelons theory and the resource-based view concept, this study extends research on the leadership–GIWB macro nexus and increases our understanding of the mechanisms behind employee GIWB, particularly in the hospitality setting.

Mediation/moderation effects of engagement, foreign language enjoyment, and ambiguity tolerance in metaverse-based foreign language learning

This study investigates how engagement (E), foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and ambiguity tolerance (AT) exert mediation/moderation in metaverse-based foreign language learning (FLL). Featuring augment/simulation-based experiences and self-fulfillment/external-control-oriented mechanics, metaverse provides virtualized interactive circumstances involving individuals’ embodied presence/behaviors, aligning with FLL that emphasizes social interaction. Based on the quantified survey data, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyses investigate the significance and positivity of the mediation/moderation relations. According to the results, E exerts fully positive mediation in the effect of intrinsic motivation (IM) on learning effectiveness (LE), FLE exerts partially positive mediation in the effect of classroom social climate (CSC) on E, and AT exerts negative moderation in the positive effect of E on LE. Notably, FLE exerts insignificant mediation in the effect of growth mindset (GM) on E. Therefore, efficient metaverse-based FLL requires synergies of affective factors, i.e., intrinsic motivation, perceptions of classroom social climate, moderate degrees of ambiguity tolerance, and engagement, for sustainable and long-term language learning progress in virtual interactive experiences. At the theoretical level, the findings extend the FLL-related models and advance the understanding of FLL. At the practical level, the findings provide references for more efficient metaverse implementations in FLL.

How coolness drives Airbnb users’ behavioural intention: findings from asymmetric and symmetric approaches

ABSTRACT A brand’s perceived coolness enhances its appeal and can be crucial to brand success. Building on the model of goal-directed behaviour (MGB), this study investigates how the perceived coolness of Airbnb, influences consumers’ behavioural intentions regarding the platform. The proposed hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The study sample consisted of 557 U.S. travellers who had had an Airbnb accommodation experience in the past six months. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was subsequently employed to uncover the causal configurations of consumers’ desire and behavioural intentions toward Airbnb. The PLS-SEM results demonstrated the critical role of perceived coolness in influencing one’s desire and behavioural intentions toward Airbnb. The fsQCA findings suggested that causal configurations inform consumers’ behavioural intentions toward Airbnb across generations. Anticipated emotions applied to all configurations. This study extends the relevant literature by incorporating perceived coolness into the MGB model in the Airbnb context. Findings also contribute to the literature by revealing causal configurations via fsQCA. Airbnb providers should seek to develop and enhance the four identified facets of perceived coolness. The consumer market should also be classified generationally. The roles of anticipated emotions cannot be ignored.

Investigation of the Effects of Creative Imagination on Academic Outcomes in Design Programs

Imagination as the key to the creative process is one of the key components of design education that affects students' problem-solving skills and innovation. The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of creative imagination on the academic performance of students enrolled in design courses. It intends to obtain a measure of the way creative imagination affects or influences students’ performance as well as their achievements. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the correlation between creativity and performance among university students. The study collected data on creative imagination and academic performance through a survey of 350 participants drawn from five universities. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 350 participants, of which 320 were 176 males and 144 females. The research included quantitative techniques such as linear regression, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS). Further, the result of the analysis showed that imagination level has the most significant impact on academic outcomes in design programs with a strong positive effect (β=0.35, p-value = 0.04). Higher creative imagination scores had a positive correlation with grades and students' involvement. This underscores the importance of forecasting to enhance students’ performance and engagement in design programs. The strategies used in education should be utilized to supplement creativity to raise the performance and satisfaction of students.

Price Sensitivity and the Influence of Green Knowledge on Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention in the Context of Sustainable Goods

Background and Objective - Legislators and organizations trying to encourage sustainable consumption as a result of evolving consumer tastes and economical limitations need to recognize how these issues interact. This study aimed to assess the relationship among price sensitivity (PS), green knowledge (GRK), female consumers attitude (CA), and purchase intention (PI) for sustainable goods. Methodology - Using a questionnaire of 250 female consumers, this study examines hypotheses related to the factors using the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) methodology. Results - The connection among GRK and CA for sustainable goods is moderated by PS, with greater GRK increasing PI. Nevertheless, PS affects the desire of customers to pay charges. Conclusion - In an atmosphere of competition, this study emphasizes the influence of price strategies and awareness among female consumers while highlighting the significance of PS and GRK in encouraging sustainable consumption patterns.