Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Impact of Landscape Patterns on Water Quality in Urbanized Rivers at Characteristic Scale: A Case of Pearl River Delta, China.

The impacts of landscape patterns on river water quality are commonly acknowledged, but understanding the complex processes by which landscape patterns affect water quality is still limited, especially in densely populated urban areas. Exploring the mechanisms through which landscape characteristics influence water quality changes in urbanized rivers will benefit regional water resource protection and landscape-scale resource development and utilization. Utilizing daily water quality monitoring data from rivers in the urbanized area of the Pearl River Delta in 2020, our research employed canonical analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore the processes and mechanisms of the influence of urbanized river landscape patterns on surface water quality. The results indicated that total nitrogen (TN) was the critical indicator limiting the water quality of rivers in the Pearl River Delta. The landscape composition and configuration indexes exhibited non-linear variations with scale, and the landscape fragmentation was higher closer to the river. Landscape patterns had the most significant influence on water quality under the characteristic scale of a 5.50 km circular buffer zone, and landscape composition dominated the change of water quality of urbanized rivers, among which 30.64% of the percentage patch area of construction (C_PLAND) contributed 46.40% to the explanation rate of water quality change, which was the key landscape index affecting water quality. Moreover, landscape patterns had a higher interpretive rate of 39.29% on water quality in the wet season compared to 36.62% in the dry season. Landscape composition had an indirect negative impact on water quality, with a value of 0.47, by affecting the processes of runoff and nutrient migration driven by human activities, while landscape configuration had an indirect negative impact on water quality, with a value of 0.11. Our research quantified the impacts of landscape patterns driven by human activities on surface water quality and proposed management measures to optimize the allocation of landscape resources in riparian zones of urbanized rivers. The results provide a scientific basis for water quality management and protection in urbanized rivers.

THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL INNOVATIVENESS ON THE BEHAVIORAL INTENTION TO USING TOURISM MOBILE APPLICATIONS OF GENERATION Z IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

The advancement of technology has significantly transformed various activities in human life, including tourism. Mobile technology, especially mobile applications, has become an integral part of users’ travel experiences. Generation Z, with their natural and proficient access to technology, has become one of the primary user groups of mobile applications in the tourism industry. Recognizing the lack of research on the intention to use mobile applications in tourism, particularly of Generation Z in Vietnam, a generation expected to reshape the tourism industry in the future, this study aims to investigate how personal innovativeness influences the intention to use mobile applications in tourism among Generation Z and mediation of attitudes. To test the proposed hypotheses, the study conducted an online survey using Google Forms targeting Generation Z individuals living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A total of 318 participants took part in the survey. The collected data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Based on the research findings, the study proposed potential solutions for mobile application development businesses, destination management organizations, tourism businesses to enhance the intention to use mobile applications in tourism among Generation Z in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as a whole.

The effect of artificial intelligence on the effectiveness of the recruitment process in startup companies

As you already know, the recruitment process is an essential function of HR that will directly influence your organizational triumph. Conventional recruitment is often done via manual screening that can be time- and money-consuming, biased. Recruiting drives growth and competitiveness in the fast-moving world of start-ups, so it is vital that recruitment be executed quickly! In addition, recently, a new trend of employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment has been introduced as a game changer. This research on how AI influences the potential success of recruiting in start-up context. The study uses a quantitative design Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) is utilized for analyzing the data. Findings indicate that incorporating AI significantly boosts efficiency, reduces cost per hire in both monetary and time aspects (leading to decreased time spent by recruiters on task handling), and enhances Hire Quality & Candidate Satisfaction in the recruitment process. While casting light on a relatively under-researched area, this paper also makes suggestions for HR practitioners and start-up managers who are contemplating the acquisition of AI technologies within their recruitment processes.

Leadership internal communication and employee creativity; role of symmetrical communication, employee advocacy and proactive personality

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial supportive communication, CEO relational communication and symmetrical internal communication. It specifically investigates the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication and employee advocacy, as well as the moderating influence of proactive personality on the link between employee advocacy and employee creativity. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted involving 290 full-time employees, and a Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) statistical approach was used to assess the proposed relationships. Findings Both managerial supportive communication and CEO relational communication were found to be positively associated with symmetrical internal communication. Furthermore, results indicated that symmetrical internal communication and employee advocacy acted as strong mediators in the hypothesized relationships. Notably, the study also found that the impact of employee advocacy on employee creativity was significantly amplified in cases where employees exhibited a higher degree of proactive personality. Practical implications By emphasizing managerial supportive communication, enhancing CEO relational communication and promoting symmetrical internal communication and employee advocacy, organizations can create an environment conducive to innovation and creativity among employees. Additionally, recognizing the buffering effect of proactive personality on employee advocacy's impact on creativity enables organizations to better tailor their strategies for fostering creativity. Originality/value This research presents a novel contribution to the field by exploring the less-explored relationships between these critical communication factors and employee creativity. It uncovers the mediating and moderating mechanisms, shedding new light on how internal communication dynamics influence creativity. This unique approach provides an original perspective on the role of communication in promoting creativity at workplace.

Market demand for metaverse-based sporting events: a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT The burgeoning reach of the metaverse has introduced new opportunities for the sport industry. As live sporting events are increasingly being streamed in the metaverse, both industry practitioners and academics face a pivotal question: Which attributes of these digitally mediated events appeal to consumers? We address this question in two phases, from a market demand perspective. In the initial qualitative phase, we conducted an extensive literature review, semi-structured interviews, and netnographic analysis to propose a hierarchical conceptualization of market demand for metaverse-based live sporting events. The conceptualization comprises three higher-order market demand dimensions: traditional core sport demand, VR engagement demand, and metaverse experience demand — each of which comprises four lower-order, more concrete market demand factors. In the subsequent quantitative phase, we analyzed 616 questionnaire responses from metaverse spectators using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The structural model results indicated that all three higher-order market demand dimensions significantly influenced metaverse spectators’ future attendance intentions, with consumer satisfaction as a partial mediator. An Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) revealed that virtual interactions were the most important market demand factor in affecting attendance intentions. Our results augment the theoretical understanding of the market demand concept and its functional mechanism in an emerging metaverse context.

Exploring the theory of consumer-engagement marketing: antecedents and consequences of consumers’ participative and engagement behaviours

ABSTRACT This study develops a comprehensive framework based on the theory of consumer engagement marketing. It examines the role of brand-initiated social media marketing (SMM) efforts—specifically entertainment, customisation, interactivity, and trendiness—in encouraging consumers to voluntarily contribute on social media platforms. These contributions are reflected in consumer-to-brand and consumer-to-consumer interactions, which, in turn, influence consumer engagement and online search behaviour. A theoretical model was developed and tested using survey data from 388 consumers experienced in visiting smartphone brand pages in Egypt. The data was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicate that SMM elements such as entertainment, customisation, and interactivity significantly drive consumer-to-consumer and consumer-to-brand interactions, which subsequently lead to increased consumer engagement and online search behaviour. Notably, consumer engagement behaviour fully mediates the impact of consumer-to-consumer interaction on online search behaviour. The study offers important theoretical insights and managerial implications for brands aiming to enhance consumer engagement through social media strategies.

The Effects of Servant Leadership, Occupational Commitment, and Work Engagement on Creativity of Teacher

This study identifies the influence of servant leadership on teacher creativity. We considered occupational commitment and work engagement as sequential mediators in the relationship between servant leadership and teacher creativity. This current study uses surveys by distributing questionnaires to teachers at the "X" education foundation in one of the cities in East Java. Hypothesis testing uses partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our study shows that servant leadership does not directly enhance teacher creativity but rather through occupational commitment and work engagement. This finding contributed to the understanding that servant leadership influences teacher creativity through the sequential mediation of occupational commitment and work engagement. As an implication, the "X" educational foundation needs to choose principals who are able to act as servant leaders. In order to effectively increase teacher creativity, servant leaders must provide support and opportunities for teachers that will boost their commitment to their work. Teachers with high occupational commitment will be more engaged with their work, allowing them to become more creative. In addition, various employee management activities, such as training, recognition, and selecting effective school principals, are needed to increase teachers' commitment, engagement, and creativity.

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship Between Salespersons’ Personal Factors and Sales Performance

A skilled salesperson can build strong relationships with clients, which fosters loyalty and repeat business. They provide valuable insights into customer preferences and competitive landscapes as well as creating value for their customers, manage customer relationships, and gather information for their firms. Hence, this paper explores how self-efficacy functions as a mediator in the correlation between improvisational behaviour, adaptive selling, and sales performance of salespersons. This study investigates the direct and indirect relationship of self-efficacy with sales performance. This study used a survey research approach using clustered random sampling. Data are collected from 315 salespersons employed by Malaysian commercial banks in Klang Valley via survey questionnaires. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that self-efficacy serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between improvisational behaviour and adaptive selling with sales performance. Additionally, the results also showed that improvisational behaviour and adaptive selling are positively related to sales performance. The study concluded that personal factors of salespersons are important in determining their sales performance. Hence, for managers to have a competitive advantage in the banking sector, they need to adopt a more comprehensive understanding of what makes a good customer service provider.

Assessing the Response of the Net Primary Productivity to Snow Phenology Changes in the Tibetan Plateau: Trends and Environmental Drivers

Understanding the relationship between climate, snow cover, and vegetation Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is crucial. However, the role of snow cover in influencing the NPP remains unclear. This study investigates the connection between the NPP and snow phenology (SP) across the TP from 2011 to 2020. Interannual trends were assessed using the Theil–Sen non-parametric regression approach combined with the Mann–Kendall test. Additionally, the pathways through which snow cover affects the NPP, considering various environmental factors, were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Approximately 10.72% of the TP showed a significant decrease in the NPP, accompanied by advancing trends in the Snow Onset Date (SOD) and Snow End Date (SED), as well as a gradual decrease in the Snow Cover Duration (SCD). The PLS-SEM results reveal that precipitation and soil temperature significantly influenced the NPP, with total effects of 0.309 and 0.206 in the SCD structural equation. Temperature had a relatively strong indirect effect on the NPP through its influence on the SOD and SCD, contributing 16% and 10% to the total effect, respectively. Neglecting the mediating effect of SP underestimates the environmental impact on the NPP. This study highlights how environmental factors influence the NPP through snow cover changes as the biomass increases, thereby enhancing our understanding of SP’s impact on the TP.

Predictors of Sustainable Tourism Development during the Post-Pandemic Period in Bangladesh

The goal of this study was to examine the predictors of sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in the context of Bangladesh. Quantitative-type research was applied, and this study used a descriptive research design. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect 302 data points from actual indigenous tourists using an online purposive sampling method. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to evaluate the data and test the hypotheses. The results of the PLS-SEM analysis method demonstrate that environmental integrity, social equity, economic prosperity, and technological adaption had a positive relationship with sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in Bangladesh. This research article provides practical guidelines for tourism authorities (BTB, BPC, and so on) and stakeholders on how to effectively impact environmental integrity, social equity, economic prosperity, and technological adaption on sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in the context of Bangladesh. This study recommends that influential strategic factors be utilized to develop a sustainable tourism business in Bangladesh, positioning it as an emerging tourism destination.

The effect of essential skills on perceived employability: a case of Malaysian undergraduates in energy-focused universities

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of technical skills, soft skills and social mobility skills on the perceived employability of Malaysian undergraduates in energy-focused universities. This study also aims to investigate the moderating effects of academic performance on such relationships.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish these objectives, this study employed partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse data obtained from 247 Malaysian undergraduates from public and private energy-focused universities across Malaysia. The Human Capital Theory served as the overarching theoretical framework for the study.FindingsThe study reveals that even if an undergraduate has stellar grades, they will not help him/her to land a job if they lack basic technical and computing skills. This study also indicates that undergraduates’ current academic performance affects their perceived employability despite already possessing the necessary soft skills. Along with academic performance, social mobility skills can be a determining factor in how graduates see their own employability. This is because social mobility has a significant impact on graduates’ chances of finding gainful employment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights into how technical skills, soft skills and social mobility skills influence the perceived employability of Malaysian undergraduates, especially in energy-focused universities, and the role of various parties involved. These parties, such as higher education institutions, are the key players that can initiate strategies to enhance specific skills and steer a public conversation towards a more methodical strategy for boosting graduates’ employability for future employment. This research also sheds light on how to better prepare for emerging job opportunities in the energy sector.Originality/valueThe study examines the effect of technical skills, soft skills and social mobility skills on the perceived employability of Malaysian undergraduates in energy-focused universities for future employment among Malaysia’s universities’ graduates. By providing a multidisciplinary viewpoint, this study paves the way for future research partnerships among experts in higher education, researchers in related fields and career researchers.

Excellence in the management of local action groups: an empirical investigation of critical success factors

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the extent to which the criteria of the EFQM Excellence Model and the relationships between them are relevant in the management of rural territory development. Verifying this relevance is crucial as a first step to determine how the adoption of an excellence model could enhance the results of the local action groups (LAGs) in managing their territories. If successful, the benefits for the management of territorial rural development in Spain could be highly significant.Design/methodology/approachField data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to the managers of 253 LAGs in Spain during the first quarter of 2021. Hypotheses were formulated to evaluate the significance of the EFQM model in the outcomes achieved by LAGs. The data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and necessary conditions analysis (NCA).FindingsThis study validates all the formulated assumptions regarding the EFQM model, including the mediating role of process management in the impact of strategy and the technical team (people) on outcomes. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the adoption of a model of excellence could increase the effectiveness of LAGs in managing the development of their territories.Research limitations/implicationsLike all research, this study has its limitations. For example, the data used responds to an indirect approach to the criteria of the EFQM model. Direct measurement of the criteria was not possible because there were no LAG evaluations with the EFQM model or any other model of excellence. Additionally, the LAG sample used does not equally reflect the reality of the different autonomous communities, which, together with the relatively small nature of the sample, does not allow comparisons of the autonomous communities. The age of the participants was not included in the analysis, so it was not possible to evaluate the effect that this variable could have on the results. There are LAGs in other EU countries as well. It would be interesting to see whether the results obtained in this study with Spanish LAGs are consistent with those in other countries. The study was conducted at the criterion level. It would be of interest to delve deeper into the subcriterion level in future work. Finally, this study was based on the EFQM 2013, while the most recent study was from 2020, which is a limitation. When the study was designed, there was not yet sufficient experience with the 2020 model. It will be interesting to see in future work the extent to which the results and conclusions obtained remain consistent with those of the 2020 model.Practical implicationsApproaches to tackling the problem of rural development have often relied on intuitive and practical trial-and-error methods in the implementation of public policies rather than on a solid and validated theoretical foundation. Therefore, verifying the relevance of the criteria and their interrelationships, intrinsic to models such as the EFQM 2013 model, in the context of managing rural territories, can greatly aid the management of these types of organisations.Social implicationsThe development of rural territories is a critical issue that remains unresolved in many countries. Failure to address this, or not doing so in a timely manner, has consequences for equity and migration to large urban centres. Enhancing the effectiveness of the LAGs can improve the living conditions of people in rural areas and contribute to the overall development of rural territories in Spain. This can simultaneously help mitigate the depopulation of rural areas.Originality/valueTraditional approaches to rural development have often relied on practical trial-and-error methods in implementing public policies. The decision to adopt an excellence management model for the development of rural territories hinges on the validity of criteria and their interrelationships, such as those intrinsic to the EFQM 2013 model, within the context of rural development.HighlightsThe EFQM model of excellence is applicable in managing the development of rural territories, although some relationships between criteria, such as the case of Partnership and Resources on Results, are affected by the context in which local action groups currently operate in Spain.This study applies PLS-SEM in the analysis of the relationships between criteria of the EFQM model in the context of managing the development of rural territories.

Virtual reality facilitated travel inspiration: the role of pleasure and arousal

ABSTRACT The paper investigates how Virtual Reality (VR)-facilitated travel inspiration increases visit intention through pleasure and arousal. The research rationale is based on our conceptual framework suggesting that the transmission model of inspiration (from the state of inspiration-by to the state of inspiration-to) and the model of emotional states of pleasure and arousal go in tandem. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses with data from 290 participants recruited through Prolific Academic who had visited a destination via a 360° VR activity. Our findings demonstrate that VR inspired-by has significant relationships with pleasure and arousal. Pleasure is a complementary partial mediator of the relationship between inspired-by and inspired-to. Similarly, our findings demonstrate that there is a positive effect of pleasure on visiting intention through inspired-to. Arousal neither appears to mediate the relationship between inspired-by and inspired-to nor has any significant relationship with visiting intention.

The “capitalism without capital era”: exploring intellectual capital impact on SMEs growth hacking capability

PurposeAlthough a growing number of companies are using growth hacking (GH) to grow their businesses, scholars know little about its operationalization, namely through growth hacking capability (GHC), its antecedents and its effectiveness in improving their performance. Indeed, there are no studies that have examined the role of intellectual capital (IC) in this sense. The aim of this study is to fill these gaps and explore the effects of IC (composed of human, relational and structural capital) in influencing GHC and – in turn – whether GHC influences companies’ financial and market performance.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical research was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the validity of the proposed hypotheses and research model. Quantitative data were collected from 38 SMEs in the Italian context through a specifically designed questionnaire.FindingsThe results of the analysis show that IC has a positive and significant impact on SMEs’ GHC, thus confirming its role as a relevant antecedent; at the same time, the empirical results underscore the positive effect GHC has on SMEs’ financial and market performance.Originality/valueFirst, the present body of work operationalizes GH, thereby, following previous work on lean startup and explores for the first time in literature the effect of IC on it. Second, from a contextual standpoint, the article deepens scholars' understanding of GHC by focusing on SMEs. Lastly, the adopted method represents a novel approach to investigating GHC, as scholarly literature has primarily focused on qualitative and theoretical dimensions.

The Paradox of Progress towards SDG7: Governance Quality and Energy Poverty Dynamics in Pakistan

This study investigates the multidimensional aspects of energy poverty in Pakistan from 2000 to 2022, specifically evaluating the direct, indirect, and total effects of socioeconomic and environmental factors. We employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impacts of income, population, governance quality, energy intensity, fuel prices, and renewable energy consumption on energy poverty. The study further contributes by examining the mediating role of governance quality and developing the World Governance Indicators (WGI) Index. The findings indicate significant negative effects of energy intensity and renewable energy consumption on energy poverty. Conversely, population growth and income levels demonstrate positive effects, contradicting conventional economic development and energy access assumptions. Governance quality establishes direct and indirect effects that mediate most relationships between independent variables and energy poverty. Bootstrapping analysis confirms the significance of governance quality as a mediator. The model describes significant energy poverty variance with robust predictive relevance. This study emphasizes the need to adopt a comprehensive strategy to decrease Pakistan’s energy poverty by articulating socioeconomic, environmental, and governance factors. Our findings offer valuable information for policymakers to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, embarking on governance reforms, promoting sustainable growth, and enforcing investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources as Pakistan approaches the 2030 SDG 7 deadline.

The Effect of High Performance Work System on Intention to Leave and Safety Workarounds: The Role of Burnout as Mediation and Mentoring & Coping Mechanism as Moderator

This study aims to analyze the influence of High Performance Work System (HPWS) on intention to leave and safety workarounds, with the role of burnout as a mediation variable and mentoring and coping mechanism as a moderator variable. The study was conducted on non-doctor employees at the Diponegoro National Hospital, Semarang. The method used is a quantitative approach with data collection techniques through questionnaires distributed to respondents. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of the study show that HPWS has a negative influence on burnout, which means that the implementation of HPWS can reduce the level of emotional fatigue of employees. In contrast, burnout has a positive effect on intention to leave and safety workarounds, indicating that employees who experience burnout are more likely to want to leave the company and ignore work safety procedures. In addition, burnout acts as a mediator between HPWS and the two variables. Good HPWS implementation is able to reduce burnout, thereby reducing employee intentions to move and increasing compliance with safety procedures. The conclusion of this study is that the effective implementation of HPWS can reduce employee burnout, reduce the desire to leave work, and increase compliance with occupational safety. Mentoring and coping mechanisms play an important role in strengthening the positive effects of HPWS.

Coupled water-habitat-carbon nexus and driving mechanisms in the Tarim River Basin: A multi-scenario simulation perspective

Human activity has transformed natural land use patterns and exerted a significant impact on the mechanisms underlying ecosystem service (ES) provisioning. This has disrupted the equilibrium between human development and ecological protection and hasled to further degradation of desert ecosystems endemic to arid regions. In this study, we employed the three SSP-RCP scenarios provided by CMIP6 to represent varying rates of development within the Tarim River Basin (TRB) and modeled land use in 2050 based on the coupled system dynamics (SD) + patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) + InVEST model. A dynamic simulation of the trade-off/synergy between key land use types and ESs in the ecologically vulnerable areas of the TRB was performed to identify the impacts of the individual effects of single factors and the scale effects of multiple factors on ESs. The results showed that (1) in the SSP126, SSP245, andSSP585 scenarios, the ratio of outflows to inflows of converted unused land gradually increased in the following periods:79.28 %, 79.42 %, 79.54 %in 2020–2030; 96.19 %, 91.62 %, 66.07 %in 2030–2040; and 93.76 %, 91.65 %, 60.96 %in 2040–2050, respectively.(2) A high water yield (WY) was observed in the highland mountains; high habitat quality (HQ) was observed in the highland mountains, along the Tarim River, and around cities; high carbon storage (CS) was observed in the highland mountains, along the Tarim River, and in urban areas. (3) Under the three scenarios, WY, HQ, and CS were mainly affected by environmental factors, with the highest single-factor tests represented by temperature (0.594; 0.595; 0.596), precipitation(0.582; 0.589; 0.590); NDVI(0.312; 0.295; 0.299), soil erosion(0.227; 0.221; 0.219); and NDVI(0.298; 0.282; 0.310), soil erosion(0.122; 0.125; 0.132), respectively. Additionally, the interaction factors with the highest explanatory power for WY, HQ, and CS were precipitation ∪ NDVI (0.73); elevation ∪ NDVI (0.37); and soil ∪ NDVI (0.31), respectively. Moreover, the human aggregation level exerted positive (0.117), negative (−0.173), and negative (−0.286) impacts on WY, HQ, and CS, respectively. The results show that the combination of GeoDetector and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) provides a complementary and creative framework for investigating the driving mechanisms of ecosystems.

Using necessary condition analysis to complement multigroup analysis in partial least squares structural equation modeling

With the growing importance of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in marketing and consumer research, the use of Multigroup Analysis (MGA) for discovering observed heterogeneity (i.e., differences in relationships between variables for subgroups of the population under investigation) and deriving relevant operational results has become of great interest. However, these analyses are based exclusively on an additive sufficiency logic and do not permit researchers to test and validate hypotheses drawing on a necessity logic, the latter having been the focus of recent significant developments. Addressing this concern, the present paper offers guidelines for combining the use of Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and MGA performed with PLS-SEM. Taken together, these analyses can explore and improve knowledge about predefined subgroups of interest, enhance the understanding of relationships, refine the role of specific key antecedents by discovering meaningful necessary conditions, and therewith, contribute to theorizing. An empirical illustration drawing on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and customer loyalty is developed in a step-by-step fashion to provide marketing researchers with the guidelines to conduct the MGA and NCA, and finally report and interpret the results in accordance with both the sufficiency and the necessity logics. This integrative procedure contributes to the advancement of PLS-SEM applications. By delivering a better understanding of the group-specific results of a PLS-SEM–based MGA in a necessity logic, it promotes the complementary usage of sufficiency and necessity logics and therefore helps researchers to uncover novel theoretical and practical results when evaluating the data.

The Impact of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Customers’ Perceptions and Loyalty in the Banking Sector: A Multi-Mediation Approach

The pursuit of sustainable development has become a global priority, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) serving as a comprehensive framework for addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Employing the stimulus–organization–response (SOR) model, this study examines the impact of customer’s perceptions of the firm’s compliance with the SDGs on customers’ perceptions and loyalty through the mediation roles of image, trust, and reputation in the customer’s evaluation of the firm in the banking sector in Turkey. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative research approach was used, and 455 valid responses were collected from retail banking customers through an online survey. Data from the study were statistically analyzed using partial least-squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal significant positive relationships between SDG implementation and customers’ perceptions of banking institutions’ image, trust, and reputation. Furthermore, favorable image, trust, and favorable reputation are found to positively influence customer loyalty in the banking sector. The mediation analyses confirm that each of the mediating variables partially mediates the relationships between SDG implementation and customer loyalty, underscoring the significance of these intermediate variables in shaping customers’ loyalty behaviors. This research contributes to both theoretical and practical domains by providing insights into the role of SDG implementation in enhancing customer perceptions and loyalty in the banking sector. Managerial implications are discussed, and recommendations are provided for banking institutions seeking to leverage the SDGs to strengthen customer relationships and achieve sustainable growth.

Artificial Intelligence Tools Usage: A Structural Equation Modeling of Undergraduates’ Technological Readiness, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes

AbstractThis study investigates the relationship between undergraduates’ technological readiness, self-efficacy, attitude, and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The study leverages the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the relationships among the study’s variables. The study’s participants are 176 undergraduate students from a public university in southwestern Nigeria. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the responses from the participants. The questionnaire has six constructs measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The results show that undergraduates’ technological self-efficacy determines their usage of AI tools and perception of AI tools’ ease of use, but this does not determine their perception of the AI tools’ usefulness and attitude towards AI tools usage. Also, technological readiness was found to determine the perception of the AI tools’ usefulness, perception of AI tools’ ease of use, and technological self-efficacy among undergraduates but does not determine their usage of AI tools and attitude towards AI tools usage. In addition, undergraduates’ attitude towards AI tools was considered the primary determinant of the usage of AI tools. It was concluded that some factors determine the adoption of AI tools, which are interrelated. Educators can play a pivotal role in empowering students to harness the power of AI tools by encouraging their usage under well-coordinated guidance rather than imposing outright restrictions. By fostering AI literacy and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate these innovative technologies, educators can instil the confidence and competency needed to integrate AI tools into various academic activities seamlessly.