Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Research Articles

How Channel Integration Benefits Manufactures’ Online Market Entry Agility? The Mediating Role of dealers’ Dependency Behavior

ABSTRACT Purpose The effectiveness of channel integration performed by manufacturers in facilitating their online market entry is still an under-researched topic. This study fills the research gap by investigating and comparing the effects of channel integration strategies and their components implemented by manufacturers. Methodology/approach A questionnaire was designed and distributed to purchasing managers in downstream dealers. The survey yielded 2051 valid responses, and data analysis employed hierarchical and polynomial regressions, along with structural equation modeling and response surface analyses. Findings First, dealers’ dependence plays a crucial role in triggering manufacturers’ online market entry. Second, manufacturers’ channel consistency and transparency are more relevant to dealers’ active dependence, while information and interaction integration lead to dealers’ passive dependence. Third, channel ambidexterity is superior to integration ambidexterity in ensuring dealers’ dependence. Originality/value Significant contributions to omnichannel integration research are made by introducing four distinct types of channel integration strategies. Enhancements to the interfirm dependence literature are achieved through a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of channel integration strategies in shaping dealers’ dependency behavior. Implications Manufacturers should carefully evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, avoiding a blind pursuit of all forms of channel integration ambidexterity. Strategic leverage of channel feature ambidexterity is recommended as a cornerstone for fostering dealers’ dependence and achieving success in online market entry.

Pengaruh Literasi Halal, Religiusitas, Halal Awareness Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen pada Restoran Bersertifikat Halal pada Generasi Z di Jabodetabek

This research aims to investigate the influence of halal literacy, religiosity, and awareness of halal on consumer buying interest in halal certified restaurants in the Jabodetabek area, with a focus on Generation Z. Data was collected through a survey targeting 162 respondents using a scale of 1 to 6. Testing was carried out using the Smart PLS V.3 analysis tool and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis approach. The results of the analysis show that halal literacy has a positive but not significant influence on consumer buying interest, while religiosity and halal awareness will have a positive and significant influence on consumer buying interest. These findings indicate that religious understanding and awareness of halal play an important role in influencing consumer shopping behavior, especially in the context of halal certification. The implications of these findings can help halal food and beverage industry stakeholders in developing more effective marketing strategies to attract and retain their potential customers amidst increasingly fierce competition in the industry.

How Green Space Justice in urban built-up areas affects public mental health: a moderated chain mediation model

BackgroundGreen and blue spaces, as crucial components of urban ecosystems, significantly impact the physical and mental health of residents. However, the mechanisms through which Green/Blue Space Justice influence residents’ health remain unclear.MethodsThis study aims to explore the impact of green spaces on public psychological responses, physical activity, and mental health from a justice perspective, and to examine the moderating role of blue spaces in this relationship. The research was conducted in selected communities within the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration in Hunan Province, China. A total of 801 valid questionnaires were collected through field visits and online surveys. The study uses an improved Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method to assess green space accessibility. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation effect analysis to reveal the relationships between variables.ResultsThe findings indicate that Green Space Justice has a significant positive impact on psychological responses, physical activity, and mental health; psychological responses and physical activity play crucial mediating roles between Green Space Justice and mental health; and Green Space Justice significantly affects mental health through a chain mediation path involving psychological responses and physical activity. Moreover, Blue Space Justice significantly moderates the impact of Green Space Justice on psychological responses and physical activity, but does not have a significant direct impact on mental health.ConclusionThis study enriches the theory of Green Space Justice by revealing the mechanisms through which it influences mental health via psychological responses and physical activity. It provides a scientific basis for the development of healthy cities. Additionally, it recommends that urban planning should prioritize the equitable distribution and high accessibility of both green and blue spaces to comprehensively enhance residents’ physical and mental well-being. Policymakers should consider prioritizing the accessibility of high-quality green spaces for vulnerable communities during urban renewal and expansion processes to reduce social health inequalities and promote broader public health outcomes.

The mediating effect of reciprocating responses between organizational support and quality of care: a multigroup moderation analysis

PurposeDrawing on social exchange theory, this study has two objectives. First, it sought to explore the mediating role of social exchange reciprocating responses, specifically citizenship behavior toward the organization (OCB-O) and organizational deviance, in the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and quality of care. Second, it aimed to develop a better understanding of the moderating effect of the educational level in the relationships proposed.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey design was implemented. The study involved 228 nurses from Argentina and data were collected between May and November 2019. A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. This study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) to examine hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate that both social exchange reciprocating responses (i.e. OCB-O and organizational deviance) play a mediating role in the relationship between POS and quality of care. Moreover, the mediating role of OCB-O between POS and quality of care is moderated by the educational level of nursing professionals.Practical implicationsNurse managers should acknowledge and promote nurses' reciprocating responses such as citizenship or deviant behaviors that enhance the quality of care. Furthermore, senior managers and HR departments should design strategies to support nurses in obtaining further education.Originality/valueThis study identifies the mediating role of social exchange reciprocating responses such as OCB-O and organizational deviance in the relationship between POS and quality of care. Furthermore, our research shows that educational level moderates the mediating effect of OCB-O in the relationship between POS and quality of care.

The Development of Financial Technology, Financial Literacy, and Financial Management Behavior in Generation Z (A Case Study of Economics Students at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)

This study aims to analyze and explore the influence of financial technology development on financial literacy and financial management behavior in generation Z, especially for students at the Faculty of Economics, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang with a birth year range of 1997-2012 as many as 100 respondents. This study used a quantitative approach and purposive sampling technique which amounted to 100 qualified respondents. This study used a sample of generation Z at the Faculty of Economics, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang and this research was conducted in the period March-August 2024. This research method is SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis with the PLS Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. Hypothesis testing in this research is to understand the relationship between variables. To test the validity and reliability of researchers using the outer model. Hypothesis testing using the inner model. The results showed that financial technology has a significant positive effect on financial literacy and student financial management behavior, financial literacy has a significant positive effect on student financial management behavior and literacy is able to mediate the relationship between financial technology and student financial management behavior.

Combined Effects of Environmental Metals and Physiological Stress on Lipid Dysregulation

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, influenced by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. This study examines the relationship between heavy metal exposure, chronic physiological stress (allostatic load), and lipid profiles, which are markers of CVD risk, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. Methods: We utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the associations between blood levels of lead, cadmium, allostatic load (AL), and lipid measures (low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides). The AL index was derived from cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic biomarkers and categorized into quartiles to identify high-risk individuals, with an index out of 10 subsequently developed. Results: The SEM analysis revealed that both heavy metal exposure and allostatic load are significantly associated with lipid profiles. Higher levels of lead and cadmium were associated with increased LDL and triglycerides, while higher AL scores were linked to increased LDL and triglycerides and decreased HDL levels. Age was also a significant factor, showing positive correlations with LDL and triglycerides, and a negative correlation with HDL. Conclusions: This study underscores the multifactorial nature of CVD, highlighting the combined impact of environmental pollutants and physiological stress on lipid dysregulation. These findings suggest the need for integrated public health strategies that address both environmental exposures and chronic stress to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.

A Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Examine the Mediating Effect of Stress on Diet in Culturally Diverse Women of Childbearing Age

Background: Stress has been shown to be associated with poor nutrition among young women. However, studies around the topic have major limitations in their methodologies and the role of confounding factors within this association remains unclear in the literature. Objective: To investigate the associations between stress and dietary quality/patterns in a culturally diverse population of childbearing-aged women. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from two studies conducted in UK and Lebanon was performed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore the role of country context, socio-economic status, and physical variables. Participants were healthy women of childbearing age (n = 493). Variables measured were dietary intake, stress, physical activity, sociodemographic variables, and Body Mass Index. These were included in the SEM analysis to examine the mediating effect of stress. Results: The results showed that, among all variables, only country had a significant effect on dietary quality and patterns through the mediatory effect of stress. Participants from Lebanon were found to have higher stress levels compared to participants from the UK, and this contributed to a lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Conclusion: This study shows that for women of childbearing age, having a good diet quality/pattern is dependent on stress levels and country context.

Why and how do suppliers develop environmental management capabilities in response to buyer-led development initiatives?

PurposeAlthough buying firms increasingly adopt supplier development to help suppliers enhance their ability to deal with environmental issues, little is known about the mechanisms by which buyer-led environmental supplier development (ESD) affects the environmental management capabilities (EMC) of suppliers. Focusing on the supplier perspective and specifically on the role of psychological mechanisms at the supplier level, the authors adopt the stimulus–organism–response framework from functionalist psychology to investigate the mediating role of environment-related supplier perceived relationship value in the association between ESD, in the form of environmental requirements and audits (indirect development – ID) vs. direct development projects (direct development – DD), and supplier EMC.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used structural equation modeling and regression analysis to test the hypotheses using survey data from 221 supplying organizations in China.FindingsResults reveal that each of the three considered dimensions of the environment-related supplier perceived relationship value (i.e. economic, strategic and co-creation) helps enhance EMC. However, while DD influences positively all three dimensions, ID has a positive effect on only the economic and strategic dimensions. Moreover, the mediation analysis suggests that, while DD affects EMC both directly and via the three dimensions of environment-related supplier perceived relationship value (partial mediation), ID affects EMC only through its impact on environment-related supplier perceived relationship economic and strategic value (full mediation).Originality/valueThe study sheds light on the psychological mechanisms that drive suppliers’ involvement in green supplier development activities. By doing so, it contributes to the understanding of ESD practices and processes and their effectiveness.

What helps Agile remote teams to be successful in developing software? Empirical evidence

Software development firms have specific goals but today's dynamic business environment, especially regarding the use of remote teams, presents great challenges due to uncertainties and multiple risks. This study investigates the facilitators of the success of Agile software development projects delivered by remote teams. We employ a conceptual research model founded on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. The study contributes to the literature by exploring how remote teams affect the success of Agile software development projects. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of the data collected from 198 IT professionals revealed that perceived pressure from government, job performance, and team satisfaction are significant in explaining these projects’ success.

Integrating digitalization opportunities into innovative public organizations’ management process

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on public institutions management system which imposed a digital transformation of all processes. This study explores how integrating digitalization improves management processes within Romanian public organizations. It is based on a survey approach and on “snowball” sampling technique for collecting answers from 377 employees. The analysis was developed with structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), prediction-oriented segmentation (PLS-POS), and multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA). The obtained results show that the digitalization of public institutions has a positive effect on all five managerial functions, namely on planning, organizing, coordinating, motivating, and controlling. The findings revealed three distinct homogenous groups of respondents using a posteriori segmentation, presenting variations in tool usage and function execution. There are multi-faceted contributions of this study: (1) in terms of theory, as it contributes to the literature by reinforcing existing knowledge; (2) in terms of methodology as it employs triangulation, and (3) in terms of practical implications by offering insights for decision-makers aiming to enhance institutional dynamics in public administration, albeit within the limitations of its geographic focus. In the last part of the paper, future research directions for integrating digitalization within public institutions are presented.

Job satisfaction and happiness keys in the prosocial behavior of citizens in Europe

BackgroundSatisfaction and happiness are two widely studied topics in current literature. Human beings need to find happiness. However, for many authors, satisfaction is a prerequisite for happiness. Satisfaction, in turn, can be approached from different perspectives, such as job satisfaction, health satisfaction, and social life satisfaction. This research analyses the relationship between these variables and their influence on proactive social behaviour.MethodsThe present study utilised the European Social Survey, an academic survey conducted across Europe in its round 10, carried out between 2022 and 2023, with a database of 25,311 valid responses. Structural equation modelling analysis conduct using PLS-SEM with the Smart PLS software.ResultsThe results demonstrate a direct and significant relationship between overall satisfaction and happiness and between happiness and prosocial behaviour. Similarly, a solid indirect relationship exists between satisfaction and prosocial behaviour in society. Furthermore, job satisfaction is among the variables influencing overall satisfaction and happiness. However, it is not the most important, with satisfaction with social life being the most influential on satisfaction.Conclusions and implicationsHappiness is one of the main variables that influence people’s lives. As we have observed, this happiness has a direct and solid relationship with the individual’s level of satisfaction, with job satisfaction and satisfaction with social life being the most influential in this relationship between satisfaction and happiness. Therefore, these conclusions must be understood by both workers and employers and public administrations. Additionally, the relationship between happiness and prosocial behaviour is an interesting topic that the governments of countries and regions in Europe should consider.

The correlation of GluR3B antibody with T lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors and their role in the progression of epilepsy

ObjectiveTo investigate changes in proportions of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, the correlation between the lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels in patients with GluR3B antibody-positive epilepsy, analyze the role of GluR3B antibodies and cytokines in the progression of epilepsy. In addition, the immunotherapeutic effect in patients with GluR3B antibody-positive epilepsy will be evaluated.MethodsPatients with epilepsy hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from December 2016 to May 2023 were recruited. GluR3B antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lymphocyte subset proportions were determined using flow cytometry, and serum concentrations of 12 cytokines were measured using cytometric beads array. Differences in T lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors were analysed between GluR3B antibody positive and negative patients. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyse the role of GluR3B antibodies and inflammatory factors in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Finally, the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy on epilepsy patients with GluR3B antibodies was assessed.ResultsIn this study, sixty-four cases of DRE, sixty-six cases of drug-naïve epilepsy (DNE), and forty-one cases of drug-responsive epilepsy were recruited. (1) DRE patients with positive GluR3B antibody were characterized by a significant increase in the proportion of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T lymphocytes, a decrease in CD8+ T lymphocytes, and an increase of CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Similar alterations in T lymphocyte subsets were observed in GluR3B antibody-positive patients with DNE. GluR3B antibody levels correlated positively with CD4+ T lymphocytes (r = 0.23) and negatively with CD8+ T lymphocytes (r=-0.18). (2) In patients with DRE, the serum concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were significantly higher in those with positive GluR3B antibody compared to those with negative GluR3B antibody. Serum IL-1β levels were also higher in GluR3B antibody-positive DNE patients compared to antibody-negative DNE patients. In drug-responsive epilepsy patients with GluR3B antibody-positive, both serum IL-1β and IFN-γ levels were higher than those with GluR3B antibody-negative. Moreover, the concentrations of serum GluR3B antibody were positively correlated with the levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and IFN-γ. (3) SEM analysis indicated that GluR3B antibody may be a direct risk factor for DRE (direct effect = 4.479, 95%CI 0.409–8.503), or may be involved in DRE progression through affecting IFN-γ and IL-8 levels (total indirect effect = 5.101, 95%CI 1.756–8.818). (4) Immunotherapy significantly decreased seizure frequency and serum GluR3B antibody levels, and the seizure frequency was positively correlated with the levels of GluR3B antibody levels in patients receiving immunotherapy.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that GluR3B antibody may influence the progression of epilepsy through altering the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subsets and increasing proinflammatory cytokines. The seizure suppression of immunotherapy is associated with the decrease of GluR3B antibody levels. Thus, the present study contributes to a better understanding of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of autoimmune-associated epilepsy and provides a potential target for DRE.

Analysis of The EwacsPro Auto Dispatch System in XYZ Company Using Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2) Adoption

Fleet Management System (FMS) is a system that quite good to manage the haul cycle and can be useful for reducing the idle time of the conveyance. The development of an FMS with an Auto Dispatch System (ADS) that utilizes digital information technology can make management easier. ADS is the system which has assignment logic systems for transport equipment, either directly suggesting to the operator through computerized systems or through dispatchers. XYZ Company developed its own ADS, called Early Warning & Control System Pro (EwacsPro), which has been tested on 1 of 4 total pits they have in ABC jobsite, using the LTE Communication network, which is the first in Indonesia. The problem behind this research is that the system has never been tested for readiness. This research aims to analyze, evaluate and explore the level of readiness of the EwacsPro system using the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) method and also analyze the level of operator acceptance of the use of the EwacsPro system adopting Technology Accetance Model 2 (TAM2) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The research will provide recommendations to the XYZ management for improvements related to EwacsPro at ABC Jobsite so that it can provide benefits according to the technological design which has been made, using Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool. The EwacsPro system reached level 9 TRL with a fulfillment rate of 80%. There are 7 variables that significantly influence EwacsPro's Usage Behavior directly and 1 variable that significantly influences using 2 influencing moderator variables of the TAM2 analysis. The R-square test also shows that all values are above 0.75, which means that there is a strong influence from the measurement of the exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable.

Effect of Sellers' Ethical Behavior in Traditional Markets on Tourists’ Souvenir Purchase Intention. Does Ethnocentrism Matter?

This study investigates the direct impact of sellers' ethical behavior "SEB" in traditional markets on tourists’ souvenir purchase intention "TPI", as well as the indirect role of ethnocentrism "ETHNO" on the relationship between the other two variables. Self-administered surveys were provided to a randomly selected sample of tourists as part of the research, which used a quantitative technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of 474 valid responses showed substantial positive correlations between "SEB" and "TPI", with "ETHNO" also having a positive effect on "TPI". The study also proved that "ETHNO" moderates the relation between "SEB" and "TPI". These insights offer souvenirs' sellers and policy-makers insightful advice on how to adapt their behaviors and marketing strategies to enhance the overall shopping experience and cater to the diverse cultural preferences of tourists.

A structural equation model analysis of the relationship between social support and depression in lung cancer patients: the mediating role of learned helplessness and self-efficacy

A structural equation model analysis of the relationship between social support and depression in lung cancer patients: the mediating role of learned helplessness and self-efficacy

CONTRIBUTION OF JOB STRESS IN MEDIATING ASPECTS AFFECTING WORK FATIGUE OF MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES IN THE SOUTH PAPUA PROVINCE REGION

Employees working for the Ministry of Religion in the South Papua Province have a range of tasks related to community service in religious affairs. The demanding workload in this role calls for extra effort from the employees. This research aims to explore how work stress acts as a mediator in the relationship between leadership style, workload, and income adequacy with work fatigue among Ministry of Religion employees in the South Papua Province. Data was collected through a survey involving 153 participants. The findings from the structural equation modeling analysis reveal that leadership style has a significant negative impact on work stress, while workload has a significant positive impact on work stress. However, income adequacy does not seem to affect work stress. Moreover, leadership style negatively impacts work fatigue, whereas workload has a positive impact on work fatigue. Income adequacy, on the other hand, does not have a significant impact on work fatigue. The study ultimately concludes that work stress plays a role in mediating the relationship between leadership style and workload with work fatigue. However, work stress does not mediate the effect of income adequacy on job burnout.

The Psychological Mechanism of Moral Leadership Influencing Responsible Subordinate Behavior

As China’s anti-corruption campaign intensifies, several of those involved in various capacities in the public sector are demonstrating slackness, a lack of moral awareness, and a weakened sense of responsibility. This study analyzes the multiple mechanisms influencing the responsible behavior of public sector personnel by combining certain key factors, such as managers’ moral leadership style, psychological security, and the notion of interactive justice. Based on social information processing theory and social exchange theory, this study constructs a dual mediation model (psychological security and interactive justice) to explore the mediating psychological mechanism of moral leadership influencing employees’ responsible behavior. The results of a two-stage paired survey and structural equation modeling analysis of civil servants from 48 departments and eight units in Shandong and Henan provinces show that moral leadership positively impacts responsible behavior. Moreover, psychological security and interactive justice play a mediating role between them. Furthermore, this study elaborates upon the mechanism of moral leadership affecting the responsible behavior of employees, which is of great value for improving the efficiency of government management and guiding civil servants to behave more responsibly.

Residents’ Perceived Benefits as Determinants of Sustainable Tourism Development

ABSTRACT This study explores how the benefits residents perceive influence their support for tourism and sustainable practices in nature-based tourism. It highlights the importance of community involvement and local support in achieving sustainable tourism. The study uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. The research is conducted in Arribes del Duero Natural Park, a protected natural area spanning Spain and Portugal. Data were collected through an online survey with convenience sampling, resulting in 401 usable questionnaires. The findings demonstrate that community involvement has a positive and significant influence on perceived benefits, support for tourism, and sustainable market-oriented approaches. Perceived benefits also positively and significantly impact support for tourism and sustainable market-oriented approaches. Furthermore, support for tourism is found to have a positive and significant influence on sustainability.

Mindfulness and Procrastination Among University EFL Learners: The Role of Attention Control and Self-Regulated Learning.

The present study aimed to investigate the interconnections among mindfulness, self-regulated learning (SRL), attention control, and procrastination among English as a foreign language (EFL) learner in Iran. Additionally, the mediating influence of SRL and attention control on mindfulness-procrastination link were tested. For this purpose, 272 university EFL students were conveniently selected and administered self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling and mediation analyses were employed. The results indicated that greater levels of SRL and attention control were related to lower levels of procrastination. Further, mindfulness directly predicted SRL and attention control. The findings also showed that although mindfulness did not directly account for procrastination, it could indirectly impact procrastination via the mediation of SRL and attention control. The findings were discussed, and implications and suggestions for future research were presented.

Norma Sosial dan Kepatuhan Pajak

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of social norms in tax compliance in Indonesia. This study draws on Cialdini & Trost, (1998), taxonomy of social norms to descriptive norms, injunctive norm, subjective norm and personal norm. Hypotheses this study is regarding the direct and indirect influences of social norms. This study use 128 participants, the participants are college students who took courses in taxation dan SMEs management and they had business activities. The hypotheses testing in this study used SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). The SEM analysis tool used SEM PLA (Partial Least Squares) WarpPLS 7.0. Result of the path analysis show that descriptive norm, injunctive norm, subjective norm each have a direct influence on tax compliance. Descriptive norms are indirectly influence to tax compliance through injunctive norm and subjective norm. Subjective norm direct influence but not indirect influence on tax compliance. personal norm are not directly influence to tax compliance