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Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling

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Handbook of Market Research

Abstract

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has become a popular method for estimating path models with latent variables and their relationships. A common goal of PLS-SEM analyses is to identify key success factors and sources of competitive advantage for important target constructs such as customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, behavioral intentions, and user behavior. Building on an introduction of the fundamentals of measurement and structural theory, this chapter explains how to specify and estimate path models using PLS-SEM. Complementing the introduction of the PLS-SEM method and the description of how to evaluate analysis results, the chapter also offers an overview of complementary analytical techniques. A PLS-SEM application of the widely recognized corporate reputation model illustrates the method.

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Acknowledgments

This chapter uses the statistical software SmartPLS 3 (https://www.smartpls.com). Ringle acknowledges a financial interest in SmartPLS.

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Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C.M., Hair, J.F. (2021). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. In: Homburg, C., Klarmann, M., Vomberg, A.E. (eds) Handbook of Market Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05542-8_15-2

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    Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling
    Published:
    22 July 2021

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05542-8_15-2

  2. Original

    Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling
    Published:
    22 August 2017

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05542-8_15-1