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Applying Multigroup Analysis in PLS-SEM: A Step-by-Step Process

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Partial Least Squares Path Modeling

Abstract

This book chapter identifies the importance and different uses for multigroup analysis, such as research interests in cross-cultural or gender differences. Multigroup analysis via partial least squares structural equations modeling, which tests a single structural relationship at a time, is an effective way to evaluate moderation across multiple relationships versus standard moderation. Step-by-step instructions and guidelines using SmartPLS 3.0 are provided using a sample dataset. The instructions include an assessment of the measurement characteristics of the constructs by including the MICOM procedure, which adds an additional level of accuracy. Examples of both positive and negative outcomes as well as potential solutions to problems are provided in order to help users understand how to apply multigroup analysis to their own dataset. By using multigroup analysis, researchers are able to uncover differences of subsamples within the total population that is not evident when examined as a whole. Researchers having the ability to run multigroup analysis considerably improve the likelihood of identifying significant and meaningful differences in various relationships across group-specific results.

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Acknowledgments

This chapter refers to the use of the statistical software SmartPLS (http://www.smartpls.com) (Ringle et al. 2015).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA

    Lucy Matthews

Authors
  1. Lucy Matthews
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Correspondence to Lucy Matthews .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Accounting, STIE Bank BPD Jateng and Petra Christian University, Semarang-Surabaya, Indonesia

    Hengky Latan

  2. Institute of International Education, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Richard Noonan

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Matthews, L. (2017). Applying Multigroup Analysis in PLS-SEM: A Step-by-Step Process. In: Latan, H., Noonan, R. (eds) Partial Least Squares Path Modeling. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64069-3_10

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