Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Exploring the role of digital green marketing campaigns and environmental beliefs in shaping tourist behavior and revisit intentions in eco-tourism

Tourist behavior can have detrimental effects on eco-destinations, such as littering or starting fires. Digital green marketing campaigns and tourist beliefs, however, can influence visitor behavior. Using quantitative analysis, this study examines the role of digital green marketing campaigns and the visitors' beliefs about the environment on tourist pro-environmental behavior and their desire to revisit eco-destinations. The study was conducted by distributing an online survey to 306 respondents who have visited five ecotourism destinations in Indonesia. The acquired data was examined using the PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling) approach. The study found that digital green marketing campaign and tourists' beliefs about the environment positively impact tourists' environmental behavior and their desire to revisit eco-destinations. The tourism ecosystem, however, does not strengthen the relationship between tourist pro-environmental behavior and the revisit intention to eco-destinations. This study will add to the literature by examining the relationship between digital green marketing campaigns, visitors' environmental beliefs, pro-environmental behavior, tourism ecosystems, and revisiting intention to eco-destinations. The study will also provide Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) with specific recommendations to promote their eco-destinations, encouraging responsible travel and returning visits.

Buffering effect of psychosocial mentoring on the relationship between career mentoring and employee turnover intentions through attitude toward leaving

Purpose: This study seeks to examine distinct effects of career and psychosocial mentoring on employee turnover intentions in a moderated mediation model. Specifically, the purpose was to examine the mediating role of attitude toward leaving in the relationship between career mentoring and turnover intentions, and the moderating/buffering effect of psychosocial mentoring on the abovementioned mediating process.Design/methodology/approach: Hypotheses have been tested deductively by using cross-sectional data from 352 bank employees. Analyses have been performed by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The findings suggest that attitude toward leaving mediates the career mentoring-turnover intentions relationship, and psychosocial mentoring moderates this mediating effect.Research limitations/implications: This study integrates theory of planned behavior (TPB) and Eight Forces Framework of voluntary turnover, and extends organizational literature by unfolding how psychosocial mentoring buffers the mediating effect of attitude toward leaving on career mentoring-turnover intentions relationship. Study limitations are about cross-sectional nature of data and external validity of results.Practical Implications: This study’s contribution to practice is that organizations providing career mentoring to their employees should consider also the provision of psychosocial mentoring to avoid employee turnover intentions.Originality/value: This study adds value to organizational literature by examining a previously untested buffering effect of psychosocial mentoring on the mediating process between career mentoring and turnover intentions.

The role of augmented reality app attributes and customer-based brand equity on consumer behavioral responses: an S-O-R framework perspective

Purpose Augmented reality (AR) provides consumers with added value by allowing them to experience products via mobile devices. An increasing number of brands have adopted AR apps, but little is known about how consumers respond to AR app attributes or what motivates them to use luxury brand AR apps. To fill this gap, this study aims to use the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to examine how AR app attributes (i.e. interactivity and virtuality) and customer-based brand equity (CBBE) (i.e. brand awareness and brand image) of luxury brands affect consumers’ behavioral intention to share about the app and use it for future purchases. Design/methodology/approach Participants were recruited using a quantitative online survey (n = 214) and asked to use the Gucci mobile AR app before completing the survey. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. All measures were adapted from existing literature. Findings Findings indicate that AR app attributes lead to positive consumer experience, in turn, creating behavioral intention, while CBBE partially leads to positive consumer perceptions. Post hoc analysis confirms that consumers’ perceived values mediate the relationship between AR app attributes and consumers’ attitudes toward a luxury brand AR app. Originality/value Theoretically, this study expands the application of the S-O-R model along with brand equity to AR adoption and luxury retail by demonstrating the intricate mechanism of how AR app attributes and CBBE promote consumers’ behavioral intentions toward luxury brand AR apps. Practitioners may create more interactive and immersive virtual product demonstrations and focus on establishing the overall brand image.

Navigating the Complexity of Generative AI Adoption in Software Engineering

This article explores the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the domain of software engineering, focusing on the influencing factors at the individual, technological, and social levels. We applied a convergent mixed-methods approach to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI adoption dynamics. We initially conducted a questionnaire survey with 100 software engineers, drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model, the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and the Social Cognitive Theory as guiding theoretical frameworks. Employing the Gioia methodology, we derived a theoretical model of AI adoption in software engineering: the Human-AI Collaboration and Adaptation Framework. This model was then validated using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling based on data from 183 software engineers. Findings indicate that at this early stage of AI integration, the compatibility of AI tools within existing development workflows predominantly drives their adoption, challenging conventional technology acceptance theories. The impact of perceived usefulness, social factors, and personal innovativeness seems less pronounced than expected. The study provides crucial insights for future AI tool design and offers a framework for developing effective organizational implementation strategies.

Effect of Service Quality on Repurchase Intention through Customer Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable

This research aims to analyze the effect of service quality on repurchase intention through customer satisfaction as an intervening variable at Public Fuel Filling Station Number 13227108, Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, Padangsidimpuan Batunadua District, Padangsidimpuan City. The research used in this research is associative research. The population in this study were customers of Public Fuel Filling Station Number 13227108, Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, Padangsidimpuan Batunadua District, and Padangsidimpuan City, the number of whom is unknown. By calculating the number of indicators as 17 times 7, the sample size for this study was 119 people. In this research, the data analysis method used is structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS) using SmartPLS software. Based on the research results show that service quality has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction at Public Fuel Filling Station Number 13227108, Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, Padangsidimpuan Batunadua District, and Padangsidimpuan City. Service quality has a positive and significant effect on repurchase intention at Public Fuel Filling Station Number 13227108, Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, Padangsidimpuan Batunadua District, and Padangsidimpuan City. Customer satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on repurchase intention at Public Fuel Filling Station Number 13227108, Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, Padangsidimpuan Batunadua District, and Padangsidimpuan City. Service quality has a significant effect on repurchase intention through customer satisfaction at Public Fuel Filling Station Number 13227108, Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, Padangsidimpuan Batunadua District, and Padangsidimpuan City.

Examination of the effects of learning capabilities and market orientation of logistics companies on innovation and logistics performance

PurposeIn today’s economic conditions, businesses face great challenges related to competitiveness. The effort to respond flexibly to the changing business environment and customers’ demands constantly puts pressure on innovation. For this reason, research purpose to examine the effects of learning capabilities and market orientation in logistics companies during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, a quantitative method was adopted and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied. The research is based on four variables. A conceptual research model was established through literature review and the model was tested. Within the scope of this research, A sample of 544 participants was taken to construct and test the model, and a 39-statement scale was presented to them. After presenting the reliability and validity values on the model, hypotheses were tested. Analyses were conducted using Smart-PLS 3.3 software.FindingsAs a result of the research conducted in logistics companies, the positive effects of learning orientation on performance outputs and the positive effects of market orientation as both a mediator and an independent variable show that these concepts are important for company management.Research limitations/implicationsConsidering the limitations of the research, it would be wrong to generalize the results of the analysis for different sectors because the data were collected from experts working in logistics companies. Therefore, it is necessary to make evaluations taking into account the limitations of the research. In future studies, it is recommended to make comparisons with research in different sectors, taking into account the limitations, and to enrich the literature with more research in this area.Practical implicationsBecause of the importance of logistics activities seen in all countries with the pandemic period, it can be explained as a result of the analyses that the performance outputs are positively affected by the learning orientation, the companies’ adaptation to continuous change and development and their emphasis on market orientation at the same time.Originality/valueThe research is an original study as it analyzes the effects of learning orientations of logistics companies on the problems and opportunities experienced in the supply and distribution channel along with the pandemic process.

EComplexity: validation of a complex thinking instrument from a structural equation model

The eComplexity instrument aims to measure the perception of achievement in the complex thinking competency and its sub-competencies. To ensure the reliability of this instrument, validation processes like the one presented in this article are necessary. Methodologically, this study evaluates data from 1,037 university students in Mexico, confirming the statistical validity and reliability of the instrument. As a result, the demonstrated reliability of the eComplexity instrument as a tool for measuring perceived achievements in complex thinking provides a valuable resource for assessing the effectiveness of educational interventions. Consequently, this research contributes to a more informed approach to fostering critical thinking skills, benefiting both theoretical exploration and practical application in educational settings. The study employs the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate students’ self-perceptions of their performance in complex thinking and its sub-competencies, thus advancing the field of educational measurement. Academically, it enriches the discourse on the design and validation of instruments, offering a rigorous model for future efforts in measuring cognitive competencies. Practically, the study’s results inform educational practice by identifying systemic and scientific thinking as key to developing complex thinking skills. This knowledge enables educators to more effectively adapt teaching strategies and curricular designs, aiming to enhance students’ ability to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Research on digital informal learning of sports knowledge of Chinese undergraduates

With the development of digital technology, the proportion of time spent on digital informal learning in students’ daily lives is increasing. However, digital informal learning behaviors in sports field have not been fully justified and studied. This article aims to investigate the current situation and influencing factors of digital informal learning of sports knowledge (DIL-S) of Chinese undergraduates. As a cross-sectional study, 401 non-sports undergraduate students from six Chinese universities completed the DIL-S measurement questionnaire. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was constructed to explore association among DIL-S, technology expectancy (TE) and digital competence (DC). Results show that (1) Male students’ cognitive learning (CL) was significantly better than that of females; Senior students’ metacognitive learning (MCL) was significantly better than that of junior students; Sports university students’ cognitive learning, metacognitive learning, and social and motivation learning (SML) were significantly better than that of non-sports university students. (2) Digital competence has a significant positive impact on technology expectancy and digital informal learning of sport knowledge, while technology expectancy has a significant negative impact on digital informal learning of sport knowledge. Based on the results, following conclusions can be made (1) Undergraduates have a strong competence to use digital technology and have a high interest in using digital technology to participate in learning. However, they have a low investment in digital informal learning of sports knowledge fields. (2) Males’ sports knowledge learning consciousness and actual performance are better than girls; Compared with freshmen, senior students have stronger monitoring and planning ability for personal sports knowledge learning; The behavior of digital informal learning of sports knowledge in sports university students is better than that of non-sports university students. (3) Digital competence and technological expectancy are key factors influencing digital informal learning of sport knowledge, with digital competence having the most significant impact. These findings underscore the need to enhance the promotion of digital informal learning among undergraduates and to develop assessments that improve their understanding and knowledge of sports.

Financial Behavior and Debt Decision-Making: The Role of Sharia Compliance of Muslim Entrepreneurs in Pekanbaru

Debt decision-making is an alternative funding source solution for MSME entrepreneurs to meet business capital. This research aims to examine financial behavior that influences debt decision-making by moderating Sharia compliance. This research uses primary data through structured questionnaires from 200 Muslim MSMEs. The distribution of questionnaires used convenience sampling techniques. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze data via SmartPLS software. The research results show that, overall financial behavior does not influence debt decision-making. However, each dimension of financial behavior, namely overconfidence, herding, and risk aversion, influences debt decision-making. Apart from that, Sharia compliance and its dimensions in the form of religious knowledge and religious motivation enhance the financial behavior and debt decision-making. Therefore, the research results indicate that Sharia compliance moderates the influence of financial behavior on debt decision-making.

Application of the structural equation modeling-partial least square method to analyze factors affecting the quality of life of hypertension patients

Abstract Hypertension is a serious health issue in Pidie Regency, Indonesia. This research utilizes Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method to analyze the factors contributing to hypertension in Pidie Regency. Primary data were was gathered via surveys and discussions held with inhabitants from the area. One of the multivariate statistical methods that can be used to explain these complex relationships is SEM-PLS. The direct effects of SEM-PLS analysis indicate the hidden demographic factors notably diminish the concealed variable of quality of life. The concealed indicators of medication adherence showcase a positive impact but lack statistical significance on the hidden variable of quality of life. Additionally, the latent activity variable has a positive and significant effect on quality of life. The research findings revealed an R2 value of 0.234, signifying that 23.4% of the variance in the latent quality of life variable can be explained by latent demographic, medication adherence, and activity variables.

Servant leadership’s impact on trust, commitment, and performance in higher education

<span lang="EN-US">This research examined the relationship between servant leadership (SL), organizational trust (OT), organizational commitment (OC), and task performance (TP). It employed a quantitative research design with partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and bootstrap estimation. Data were collected through a survey of 111 lecturers from 12 universities in Eastern Indonesia. It found that SL does not affect TP and OC. Meanwhile, OT affects OC but not TP. Further, OC does not affect TP. Therefore, OT does not affect TP through OC. Likewise, SL does not affect TP through OC. It practically implies that universities should be concerned the selection and placement of professional leaders. Successful professional leaders support and enhance the OC and TP of lecturers with SL. This study enriches leadership literature empirically examining SL, TP, OT, and OC in religious higher education. Besides, it provides evidence that SL in tertiary institutions does not exhibit a positive impact on lecturer performance. Institutional limitations lead to difficult situations and allow lecturers to accept reality. Furthermore, it uncovers challenges and demands the need for in-depth investigation of SL studies, which are paradoxical and contradictory to the previous SL theories and findings.</span>

The nexus of nurse work-life balance on performance: a case in private hospital

The healthcare organization is highly competitive, in which excellent service becomes crucial. As part of the healthcare front-liners, nurses become the main provider of such services, especially in private hospitals. Therefore, it is essential to enhance nurse performance to ensure hospital success. This study investigated the relationship between work-life balance (WLB) on nurse performance (NP) mediated by work engagement (WE) and psychological well-being (PWB). This cross-sectional study recruited 132 eligible nurses in a internationally-accredited type B private hospital (>200 beds). The proposed model of this study is analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The association between all studied variables is significant. The relation between WLB on NP mediated by WE and PWB is significant (p-value 0.000, zero fall, CI 95%)-WLB on PWB (ß=0.743), WLB on WE (ß=0.466), PWB on WE (ß=0.379), WE on NP (ß=0.351) and PWB on NP (ß=0.579). This study indicates that nurse WLB should be an essential aspect to consider in enhancing NP. The hospital should also monitor and evaluate WE and PWB in improving NP.

From well-being to conservation: Understanding the mechanisms of community pro-environmental actions in Wuyishan national park

In the Anthropocene, fostering a more sustainable relationship between humans and nature is paramount. National parks, as successful global models of conservation, promote coexistence between humans and the natural world. This study examines the complex interplay between human well-being, connection to a national park, and pro-environmental actions among community residents. Employing a community survey within Wuyishan National Park in China, we collected and analyzed 285 valid questionnaires. Using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), our findings reveal significant positive correlations between both objective and subjective well-being, place attachment, and pro-environmental intention and behavior. Our results further indicate that human well-being influences pro-environmental intention and behavior in complex ways, with place attachment acting as a mediating factor. These findings suggest that strengthening community-park bonds and enhancing residents' well-being are crucial strategies for promoting the sustainable conservation of protected areas.

Do Food Deliveries Lead to More Plastic Waste? A Study on Consumers’ Intention to Reuse Food Delivery Containers

This study aims to examine the determinants of consumers’ intention to reuse food delivery containers (ITR). The hypotheses will be tested on 200 food delivery service users in Malaysia and will be analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Understanding consumers’ ITR could promote practical environmental sustainability. Practically, the study will provide insights to the food delivery service industry, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to encourage consumer behaviour change by reusing food delivery containers in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12. This study aims to investigate the following variables that influence the intention to reuse food delivery containers namely government support, moral obligations, subjective norms, perceived control behaviour, attitude, and government support. The study enhances the existing literature by extending the government support - independent variable. In addition, this study could benefit food and beverage merchants, food delivery companies, and government agencies.

MSME Businesses Performance: Examining the Impact of Digital and Technological Capabilities using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Necessary Condition Analysis

Abstract This research aims to research the effects of innovation, as well as digital and technological capabilities, on the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in Portugal post the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging longitudinal data from the 2019 World Bank business surveys and the subsequent 2020 World Bank Covid-19 follow-up business surveys, encompassing a sample of 605 MSME, we delve into the relationships between these variables. We examine the impact of innovation and digital and technological capabilities on performance from two distinct perspectives: one based on necessity and the other on sufficiency. Our analytical approach combines the utilization of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with necessary condition analysis (NCA). The findings of our study unequivocally indicate that both technological capabilities and digital capabilities exert a positive influence on MSME performance. Additionally, it is noteworthy that innovation indirectly enhances performance by way of its impact on digital capabilities.

Do Food Deliveries Lead to More Plastic Waste? A Study on Consumers’ Intention to Reuse Food Delivery Containers

This study aims to examine the determinants of consumers’ intention to reuse food delivery containers (ITR). The hypotheses will be tested on 200 food delivery service users in Malaysia and will be analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Understanding consumers’ ITR could promote practical environmental sustainability. Practically, the study will provide insights to the food delivery service industry, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to encourage consumer behaviour change by reusing food delivery containers in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12. This study aims to investigate the following variables that influence the intention to reuse food delivery containers namely government support, moral obligations, subjective norms, perceived control behaviour, attitude, and government support. The study enhances the existing literature by extending the government support - independent variable. In addition, this study could benefit food and beverage merchants, food delivery companies, and government agencies.

Impacts of Environmental Knowledge, Motives, and Behavior on Ecotourism

Trip cost indirectly reflects the perceived value (PV) related to a tourist destination, which can be influenced by knowledge, motivation, and behavior. This research investigated the relationship between PV and pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Moreover, the influence of environmental knowledge and motives on PEB was ascertained. Hikkaduwa National Park, Sri Lanka, was considered as a case study, and 235 visitors were interviewed for data collection. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was developed based on the proposed hypotheses. The average individual cost of traveling of local tourists is USD 4.7, which reflects the PV. The results revealed that motivation directly and indirectly impacts PV, and PEB positively influences PV. Environmental knowledge does not positively influence either PEB or PV. Motivating individuals to participate in environment-related activities is important for encouraging PEB and positively impacting value perception. As PEB influences PV in ecotourism areas, eco-friendly individuals will visit these areas as they value them more. Anthropogenic impacts are minimized if the visitors are environmentally friendly. Accordingly, this study highlights the desirability of promoting ecotourism and PEB for the environmental sustainability of marine habitats. The management of ecotourism destinations can develop strategies to use PEB to ensure the long-term survival of these areas.

Social Media’s Role in Shaping Millennials Halal Shopping Trends in Malaysia

Social media influencers (SMIs) have emerged as pivotal figures in advertising and critiquing products and services. They serve as credible sources, disseminating persuasive messages that significantly influence consumer purchasing behavior, particularly among Millennials. This paper investigates the factors pertaining to SMIs that shape the purchasing behavior of Muslim Millennials in Malaysia towards halal food products. Employing a non-probability sampling method, the study surveyed 403 respondents using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). Data collection utilised a structured closed-ended questionnaire as the survey instrument. Results indicate that SMIs’ expertise impacts consumers’ attitudes and behaviors towards halal food products, with expertise serving as the sole mediator. Furthermore, SMIs wield significant influence over consumer purchasing behaviour by disseminating product reviews and advertisements to a broad audience. Factors such as trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise among these influencers directly impact the purchasing decisions of millennials. This study makes a significant contribution by enhancing comprehension of the latest digital and social media technologies’ relevance and importance.

Internet of things (IoT) driven structural health monitoring for enhanced seismic resilience: A rigorous functional analysis and implementation framework

Civil engineering infrastructures are increasingly becoming exposed to seismic loads, and at such a stage there is an increased need for alternative methods to fortify and enhance the resilience. The present study deals with the intricate linkage of internet of things (IoT) devices and the resilience of structures in a seismically affected zone. From the literature, the role of adaptive structural control, data acquisition and transmission, early warning systems, integration with building standards and codes, and real-time analytics and monitoring have been found to be the topmost aspects of ensuring resilience to seismic events. The seismically affected area of concern provides an in-depth analysis of the practical applications of the IoT in buildings in a seismic area. A survey was distributed to 239 respondents, and a very solid 58.99 % response rate proved the interest and participation of the respondents in the study. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the researchers frame a measurement model which is applied to analyze the reliability and validity of the IoT constructs. Further, the bootstrap resampling mechanisms are adopted to test the five hypotheses rigorously. The findings establish robust connections between adaptive structural control, data acquisition, early warning systems, integration with building codes and standards, real-time monitoring and analytics, and IoT, contributing to enhanced seismic resilience. Infrastructure developers can draw management implications from these findings, while empirical researchers can utilize the verified framework to guide future studies.

Gen Y Academicians’ Emotional Labour and Wellbeing: The Moderating Effects of Human Resource Practices

The study examines the moderating influence of human resource practices on the relationship between emotional labour and wellbeing of Gen Y academicians. Data were collected from 314 Gen Y academicians from private universities in Malaysia and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The findings of the study show Gen Y academicians do experience emotional labour and employ both surface and deep acting at the workplace. More importantly the findings show that that there is positive and attributable human resource practices has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between emotional labour (Surface Acting & Deep Acting) and the wellbeing of the Gen Y academicians. Few studies to date have paid attention to the influence of human resource practices between emotional labour and wellbeing in the context of Gen Y workforce in an academic setting. The results of the study deserve attention of university management to better assist and support young academicians to manage their emotional health and as a result enhance their wellbeing at the workplace.