Business

PLS-SEM and reflective constructs: A response to recent criticism and a constructive path forward

P. Guenther, M. Guenther, et al.

This article confronts the misconceptions surrounding reflective construct measurement in PLS-SEM, arguing that such models accurately represent theoretically grounded constructs. The research, conducted by Peter Guenther, Miriam Guenther, Christian M. Ringle, Ghasem Zaefarian, and Severina Cartwright, emphasizes the value of a multimethod approach in structural equation modeling to leverage diverse strengths instead of fostering competition among methods.

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Abstract

This article addresses criticisms of using reflective construct measurement and its associated evaluation criteria in partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Critics argue that reflective measurement models exclusively correspond to common factor models, a claim deemed inaccurate and misleading. The authors posit that reflective measurement models represent theoretically grounded constructs, and statistical methods approximate these constructs empirically. They highlight that reflective evaluation criteria are not limited to common factor models and don't compromise validity when applied to composite model estimation. The article advocates for a multimethod approach using the complementary strengths of different SEM methods, rather than pitting them against each other.

Publisher

Industrial Marketing Management

Published On

May 19, 2025

Authors

Peter Guenther, Miriam Guenther, Christian M. Ringle, Ghasem Zaefarian, Severina Cartwright

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2025.05.003

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