Christian M. Ringle

The Second Edition of Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling offers a straightforward and practical guide to PLS-SEM for users ready to go further than the basics of A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, Third Edition. Even in this advanced guide, the authors have limited the emphasis on equations, formulas, and Greek symbols, and instead rely on detailed explanations of the fundamentals of PLS-SEM and provide general guidelines for understanding and evaluating the results of applying the method. A single study on corporate reputation features as an example throughout the book, along with a single software package (SmartPLS 4.0) to provide a seamless learning experience. The approach of this book is based on the authors’ many years of conducting research and teaching methodology courses, including developing the SmartPLS software. The preparation of the book, especially this new edition, is based on the authors’ desire to communicate the PLS-SEM method to a much broader audience from management and marketing to engineering, geography, medicine, political and environmental sciences, psychology, and beyond. The Second Edition includes a new chapter on the necessary condition analysis (NCA) and covers the most recent developments in PLS-SEM, with detailed guidelines for estimating and validating higher-order constructs and nonlinear effects as well as more insights on multigroup and latent class analyses using FIMIX-PLS and PLS-POS. The book is aimed at researchers and practitioners who seek to gain comprehensive knowledge of more advanced PLS-SEM methods.

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has become a standard approach for analyzing complex inter-relationships between observed and latent variables. Researchers appreciate the many advantages of PLS-SEM such as the possibility to estimate very complex models and the method’s flexibility in terms of data requirements and measurement specification. This practical open access guide provides a step-by-step treatment of the major choices in analyzing PLS path models using R, a free software environment for statistical computing, which runs on Windows, macOS, and UNIX computer platforms. Adopting the R software’s SEMinR package, which brings a friendly syntax to creating and estimating structural equation models, each chapter offers a concise overview of relevant topics and metrics, followed by an in-depth description of a case study. Simple instructions give readers the “how-tos” of using SEMinR to obtain solutions and document their results. Rules ofthumb in every chapter provide guidance on best practices in the application and interpretation of PLS-SEM.

The third edition of A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) guides readers through learning and mastering the techniques of this approach in clear language. Authors Joseph H. Hair, Jr., G. Tomas M. Hult, Christian Ringle, and Marko Sarstedt use their years of conducting and teaching research to communicate the fundamentals of PLS-SEM in straightforward language to explain the details of this method, with limited emphasis on equations and symbols. A running case study on corporate reputation follows the different steps in this technique so readers can better understand the research applications. Learning objectives, review and critical thinking questions, and key terms help readers cement their knowledge. This edition has been thoroughly updated, featuring the latest version of the popular software package SmartPLS 3. New topics have been added throughout the text, including a thoroughly revised and extended chapter on mediation, recent research on the foundations of PLS-SEM, detailed descriptions of research summarizing the advantages as well as limitations of PLS-SEM, and extended coverage of advanced concepts and methods, such as out-of-sample versus in-sample prediction metrics, higher-order constructs, multigroup analysis, necessary condition analysis, and endogeneity.

With applications using SmartPLS —the primary software used in partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)—this practical guide provides concise instructions on how to use this evolving statistical technique to conduct research and obtain solutions. Featuring the latest research, new examples, and expanded discussions throughout, the Second Edition is designed to be easily understood by those with limited statistical and mathematical training who want to pursue research opportunities in new ways. Please note that all examples in this Second Edition use SmartPLS 3. To access this software, please visit