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A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)
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A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)

Fourth Edition


August 2026 | 325 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The Fourth 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 with limited emphasis on equations and symbols, instead, explaining the details in straightforward language. A running case study on corporate reputation follows the different steps in this technique so readers can better understand the research applications.

This edition has been thoroughly updated, featuring the latest version of the popular software package SmartPLS 4. New topics have been added throughout the text. 

 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling
Chapter Preview

 
What Is Structural Equation Modeling?

 
Considerations in Using Structural Equation Modeling

 
Principles of Structural Equation Modeling

 
PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, and Regressions Based on Sum Scores

 
Considerations when Applying PLS-SEM

 
Guidelines for Choosing Between PLS-SEM and CB-SEM

 
Organization of Remaining Chapters

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 2: Specifying the Path Model and Examining Data
Chapter Preview

 
Stage 1: Specifying the Structural Model

 
Stage 2: Specifying the Measurement Models

 
Stage 3: Data Collection and Examination

 
Case Study Illustration—Specifying the PLS-SEM Model

 
Path Model Creation Using the SmartPLS Software

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 3: Path Model Estimation
Chapter Preview

 
Stage 4: The PLS-SEM Algorithm and Model Estimation

 
Case Study Illustration—PLS Path Model Estimation (Stage 4)

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 4: Assessing PLS-SEM Results—Part I: Evaluation of the Reflective Measurement Models
Chapter Preview

 
Overview of Stage 5: Evaluation of Measurement Models

 
Stage 5A: Assessing Results of Reflective Measurement Models

 
Case Study Illustration—Evaluation of the Reflective Measurement Models (Stage 5A)

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 5: Assessing PLS-SEM Results—Part II: Evaluation of the Formative Measurement Models
Chapter Preview

 
Stage 5B: Assessing Results of Formative Measurement Models

 
Case Study Illustration—Evaluation of the Formative Measurement Models (STAGE 5B)

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 6: Assessing PLS-SEM Results—Part III: Evaluation of the Structural Model
Chapter Preview

 
Stage 6: Structural Model Results Evaluation

 
Case Study Illustration—Evaluation of the Structural Model (Stage 6)

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 7: Mediator and Moderator Analysis
Chapter Preview

 
Mediation

 
Moderation

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Chapter 8: Outlook on Advanced Methods
Chapter Preview

 
Importance–Performance Map Analysis

 
Necessary Condition Analysis

 
Higher-Order Constructs

 
Confirmatory Tetrad Analysis

 
Examining Endogeneity

 
Treating Observed and Unobserved Heterogeneity

 
Measurement Model Invariance

 
Consistent PLS-SEM

 
Summary

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Questions

 
Key Terms

 
Suggested Readings

 
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index
Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

  • All screenshots and instructions have been updated for the latest edition of Smart PLS software, SmartPLS 4
  • Updated PLS-SEM fundamentals and latest research insights, keeping readers up-to-date with evolving best practices
  • Expanded guidance on model specification, estimation, and fit that will help students build more accurate and robust models
  • Revised measurement and structural model evaluation procedures ensures reliable validation and interpretation
  • New techniques for mediation, moderation, and prediction equip readers to handle complex relationships confidently
  • Added advanced methods including cIPMA, Gaussian copula, and latent class approaches support cutting-edge analysis for sophisticated projects
  • Summaries are now structured by learning outcome for improved organization

 KEY FEATURES:

  • Simple instructions give readers the “how-tos” of using the SmartPLS software (www.smartpls.com) to obtain solutions, and prepare manuscripts using PLS-SEM for academic journal submissions.
  • Rules of Thumb in every chapter provide guidelines on best practices in the application and interpretation of PLS-SEM.
  • A focus on accessibility is reflected through limited equations, formulas, and Greek symbols to facilitate clear understanding.
  • Chapters organized around learning outcomes simplify the process of learning the concepts and statistical terms.
  • Concepts consistently defined in plain language further facilitate comprehension of methods.