Work

Why researchers should be cautious about using PLS-SEM

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A recent contribution to Industrial Marketing Management by Guenther, Guenther, Ringle, Zaefarian, and Cartwright (2023) aims at “[i]mproving PLS-SEM use.” It assumes that the use of PLS-SEM could be improved by more strictly following existing PLS-SEM guidelines and using advanced techniques. Unfortunately, such “improved” use of PLS-SEM does not necessarily translate into more rigorous scientific analyses. In this commentary, we show that the PLS-SEM guidelines themselves are problematic and that using PLS-SEM can lead to erroneous conclusions. It is, therefore, not so much the use of PLS-SEM that needs improvement, but the literature on PLS-SEM itself, particularly its guidelines. The commentary concludes with recommendations for analysts and questions for PLS-SEM proponents to stimulate further research on PLS-SEM.

Source: Industrial Marketing Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.indmarman.2024.01.017

Authors: Jörg Henseler, Florian Schuberth, Nick Lee, Ildikó Kemény

Institutions: Universidade Nova de Lisboa, University of Twente, University of Warwick, Corvinus University of Budapest

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,990

Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia