When to use this
Use this when PLS-SEM is theoretically and methodologically justified for the specified model.
Why it matters
PLS measurement and structural evidence require separate assessment, especially for reflective and formative constructs.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Approve construct measurement modes and indicators.
2. Define recursive structural paths.
3. Run PLS estimation on the selected dataset version.
4. Review reflective loadings, reliability, AVE, and discriminant evidence.
5. Review formative weights, collinearity, paths, R², f², and bootstrap intervals where applicable.
6. Document the rationale and interpretation.
Expected outputs
Measurement-quality evidence, path estimates, R², f², VIF, bootstrap effects, and immutable provenance.
How to interpret the results
AVE summarises shared variance for reflective constructs; HTMT is one source of discriminant-validity evidence. Neither is a universal validity guarantee.
Common mistakes
Do not apply reflective criteria to formative constructs. Do not select PLS solely to avoid checking assumptions or to guarantee significant paths.
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