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The combined use of symmetric and asymmetric approaches: partial least squares-structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh (Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism (CRiT), Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia)
Christian M. Ringle (Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Hamburg, Germany and University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand)
Marko Sarstedt (Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany and Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania)
Hossein Olya (University of Sheffield Management School, Sheffield, UK)

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

ISSN: 0959-6119

Article publication date: 18 May 2021

Issue publication date: 6 July 2021

4924

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose guidelines for the joint use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to combine symmetric and asymmetric perspectives in model evaluation, in the hospitality and tourism field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study discusses PLS-SEM as a symmetric approach and fsQCA as an asymmetric approach to analyze structural and configurational models. It presents guidelines to conduct an fsQCA based on latent construct scores drawn from PLS-SEM, to assess how configurations of exogenous constructs produce a specific outcome in an endogenous construct.

Findings

This research highlights the advantages of combining PLS-SEM and fsQCA to analyze the causal effects of antecedents (i.e., exogenous constructs) on outcomes (i.e., endogenous constructs). The construct scores extracted from the PLS-SEM analysis of a nomological network of constructs provide accurate input for performing fsQCA to identify the sufficient configurations required to predict the outcome(s). Complementing the assessment of the model’s explanatory and predictive power, the fsQCA generates more fine-grained insights into variable relationships, thereby offering the means to reach better managerial conclusions.

Originality/value

The application of PLS-SEM and fsQCA as separate prediction-oriented methods has increased notably in recent years. However, in the absence of clear guidelines, studies applied the methods inconsistently, giving researchers little direction on how to best apply PLS-SEM and fsQCA in tandem. To address this concern, this study provides guidelines for the joint use of PLS-SEM and fsQCA.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This research uses the statistical software SmartPLS3 (www.smartpls.com/). Ringle acknowledges a financial interest in SmartPLS.

Citation

Rasoolimanesh, S.M., Ringle, C.M., Sarstedt, M. and Olya, H. (2021), "The combined use of symmetric and asymmetric approaches: partial least squares-structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 1571-1592. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2020-1164

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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