Common Beliefs and Reality About PLS

Hensler, J.; Dijkstra, T. K.; Sarstedt, Marko ; Ringle, Christian M. ; Diamantopoulos, A.; Straub, D. W.; Ketchen, D. J.; Hair, J. F.; Hult, G. T. and Calantone, R. J. (2014): Common Beliefs and Reality About PLS. Comments on Rönkkö and Evermann (2013). In: Organizational Research Methods, Vol. 17, No. 2: pp. 182-209

Abstract

This article addresses Rönkkö and Evermann’s criticisms of the partial least squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modeling. We contend that the alleged shortcomings of PLS are not due to problems with the technique, but instead to three problems with Rönkkö and Evermann’s study: (a) the adherence to the common factor model, (b) a very limited simulation designs, and (c) overstretched generalizations of their findings. Whereas Ro¨nkko¨ and Evermann claim to be dispelling myths about PLS, they have in reality created new myths that we, in turn, debunk. By examining their claims, our article contributes to reestablishing a constructive discussion of the PLS method and its properties. We show that PLS does offer advantages for exploratory research and that it is a viable estimator for composite factor models. This can pose an interesting alternative if the common factor model does not hold. Therefore, we can conclude that PLS should continue to be used as an important statistical tool for management and organizational research, as well as other social science disciplines.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Keywords: partial least squares (PLS); structural equation modeling
• Faculties: Munich School of Management > Institute for Marketing
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• Language: English