Mathematics

Research

21 pages, 673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using PLS-SEM to Analyze the Effect of CSR on Corporate Performance: The Mediating Role of Human Resources Management and Customer Satisfaction. An Empirical Study in the Spanish Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector

by Fernando Gimeno-Arias, José Manuel Santos-Jaén, Mercedes Palacios-Manzano and Héctor Horacio Garza-Sánchez

Mathematics 2021, 9(22), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9222973 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6273

Abstract

Although in recent decades corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been subjected to numerous studies in management and marketing literature about its impact on business results, the mechanism by which it affects performance has not been established. There is a lack of consensus when [...] Read more.

Although in recent decades corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been subjected to numerous studies in management and marketing literature about its impact on business results, the mechanism by which it affects performance has not been established. There is a lack of consensus when it comes to explaining how CSR actions are related to firm performance. Our research helps to understand this relationship through mediating effects such as CSR-oriented human resource management and customer satisfaction because employees and customers are critical stakeholders of companies and contribute directly to the determination of the corporate results. Through a study on a sample of small and medium-sized Spanish food and beverage manufacturing companies, and by using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we found that CSR does indeed impact business performance when CSR actions are mainly oriented towards more efficient management of human resources and customer satisfaction. In this way, the results lead us to conclude that depending on the stakeholder to which these actions are oriented, a specific orientation of the company’s CSR policy can be more efficient in corporate performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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24 pages, 3011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of CO₂ Emissions and Influencing Factors in China Using ESDA and PLS-SEM

by Bin Wang, Qiuxia Zheng, Ao Sun, Jie Bao and Dianting Wu

Mathematics 2021, 9(21), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9212711 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2598

Abstract

Controlling carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is the foundation of China’s goals to reach its carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. This study aimed to explore the spatial and temporal patterns and driving factors of CO₂ emissions in [...] Read more.

Controlling carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is the foundation of China’s goals to reach its carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. This study aimed to explore the spatial and temporal patterns and driving factors of CO₂ emissions in China. First, we constructed a conceptual model of the factors influencing CO₂ emissions, including economic growth, industrial structure, energy consumption, urban development, foreign trade, and government management. Second, we selected 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019 as research objects and adopted exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) methods to analyse the spatio-temporal patterns and agglomeration characteristics of CO₂ emissions. Third, on the basis of 420 data samples from China, we used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to verify the validity of the conceptual model, analyse the reliability and validity of the measurement model, calculate the path coefficient, test the hypothesis, and estimate the predictive power of the structural model. Fourth, multigroup analysis (MGA) was used to compare differences in the influencing factors for CO₂ emissions during different periods and in various regions of China. The results and conclusions are as follows: (1) CO₂ emissions in China increased year by year from 2006 to 2019 but gradually decreased in the eastern, central, and western regions. The eastern coastal provinces show spatial agglomeration and CO₂ emission hotspots. (2) Confirmatory analysis showed that the measurement model had high reliability and validity; four latent variables (industrial structure, energy consumption, economic growth, and government management) passed the hypothesis test in the structural model and are the determinants of CO₂ emissions in China. Meanwhile, economic growth is a mediating variable of industrial structure, energy consumption, foreign trade, and government administration on CO₂ emissions. (3) The calculated results of the R² and Q² values were 76.3% and 75.4%, respectively, indicating that the structural equation model had substantial explanatory and high predictive power. (4) Taking two development stages and three main regions as control groups, we found significant differences between the paths affecting CO₂ emissions, which is consistent with China’s actual development and regional economic pattern. This study provides policy suggestions for CO₂ emission reduction and sustainable development in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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21 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Learning Mathematics of Financial Operations during the COVID-19 Era: An Assessment with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling

by María del Carmen Valls Martínez, Pedro Antonio Martín-Cervantes, Ana María Sánchez Pérez and María del Carmen Martínez Victoria

Mathematics 2021, 9(17), 2120; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9172120 - 1 Sep 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3788

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all walks of life, including education. Universities have been forced to teach in a blended or online environment, which has led professors to adapt their traditional teaching–learning methodologies. The professors of Mathematics of Financial Operations at the University [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all walks of life, including education. Universities have been forced to teach in a blended or online environment, which has led professors to adapt their traditional teaching–learning methodologies. The professors of Mathematics of Financial Operations at the University of Almeria (Spain) have created video tutorials so that students can autonomously prepare the theoretical part of the subject, leaving the face-to-face classes for practical exercises. This article aims to analyze the effectiveness of video tutorials and the autonomy finally achieved by students in their learning. For this purpose, a questionnaire was carried out in which, through 21 questions, the constructs Autonomy, Effectiveness, Depth, Format, Challenge, and Use were assessed. Based on these six latent variables, the proposed model using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology revealed that students considered the Format and Depth of the video tutorials crucial for genuinely effective performance learning and promoting their autonomy. On the other hand, the variables Challenge and Use were poorly rated. This article presents an original valuation model, which has the virtue of achieving a prediction of 78.6% and, in addition, has high predictive power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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15 pages, 664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moderating Effect of Proactivity on Firm Absorptive Capacity and Performance: Empirical Evidence from Spanish Firms

by Rafael Sancho-Zamora, Isidro Peña-García, Santiago Gutiérrez-Broncano and Felipe Hernández-Perlines

Mathematics 2021, 9(17), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9172099 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2864

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand how proactivity can affect the relationship between absorptive capacity and organisational performance. Most previous studies have ignored the role of proactivity in this relationship and have not considered the multidimensional nature of absorptive capacity. A [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to understand how proactivity can affect the relationship between absorptive capacity and organisational performance. Most previous studies have ignored the role of proactivity in this relationship and have not considered the multidimensional nature of absorptive capacity. A questionnaire was sent to 800 CEOs of Spanish companies from different sectors, procuring a response rate of 38.25%. A structural equation model was applied to test the hypothesis. This study confirms the positive effect that absorptive capacity has on business performance and the moderating role of proactivity in this relationship. Companies that develop their capacity to absorb information from the environment achieve better results. Furthermore, if they engage in proactive behaviour within their company, this relationship is stronger. Future research should include more capacities that are related to knowledge and business performance (i.e., learning capability, innovation capacity, etc.). This study contributes to the understanding of how to manage a company’s knowledge in an appropriate way. It sheds new light on how knowledge management should be conducted, emphasising not only the gathering of information but also the promotion of a proactive attitude on the part of employees to achieve the goal of better performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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12 pages, 1761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marketing Mix Modeling Using PLS-SEM, Bootstrapping the Model Coefficients

by Mariano Méndez-Suárez

Mathematics 2021, 9(15), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9151832 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6777

Abstract

Partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM) uses sampling bootstrapping to calculate the significance of the model parameter estimates (e.g., path coefficients and outer loadings). However, when data are time series, as in marketing mix modeling, sampling bootstrapping shows inconsistencies that arise because [...] Read more.

Partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM) uses sampling bootstrapping to calculate the significance of the model parameter estimates (e.g., path coefficients and outer loadings). However, when data are time series, as in marketing mix modeling, sampling bootstrapping shows inconsistencies that arise because the series has an autocorrelation structure and contains seasonal events, such as Christmas or Black Friday, especially in multichannel retailing, making the significance analysis of the PLS-SEM model unreliable. The alternative proposed in this research uses maximum entropy bootstrapping (meboot), a technique specifically designed for time series, which maintains the autocorrelation structure and preserves the occurrence over time of seasonal events or structural changes that occurred in the original series in the bootstrapped series. The results showed that meboot had superior performance than sampling bootstrapping in terms of the coherence of the bootstrapped data and the quality of the significance analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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14 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating and Controlling ICT Implementation in the Supply Chain: The SME Experience from Baja California

by Rubén Jesús Pérez-López, Jesús Everardo Olguín-Tiznado, Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz, María Mojarro-Magaña, Claudia Camargo-Wilson and Juan Andrés López-Barreras

Mathematics 2021, 9(11), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9111234 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3087

Abstract

It is mentioned that companies’ competition is currently more associated with supply chains (SC) than production processes since sometimes logistics costs represent up to 70% of the total production cost in a product. To improve efficiency in SC, companies are implementing information and [...] Read more.

It is mentioned that companies’ competition is currently more associated with supply chains (SC) than production processes since sometimes logistics costs represent up to 70% of the total production cost in a product. To improve efficiency in SC, companies are implementing information and communication technologies (ICT). This paper reports a structural equation model that incorporates four latent variables related to ICT applied in SC: technological innovation, information management, and information availability as independent variables, and operating benefits gained as a dependent variable. These variables are related using six hypotheses that are validated using information obtained from 80 responses to a survey applied to small and medium-sized enterprises in Baja California (Mexico). The partial least squares technique is used to validate the hypotheses in the structural equation model. Findings indicate that technological innovation is the basis for the successful implementation of ICT and its application guarantees greater information availability and efficient management, leading to obtaining operating benefits in SC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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23 pages, 6975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Higher-Order Constructs to Estimate Health-Disease Status: The Effect of Health System Performance and Sustainability

by Alicia Ramírez-Orellana, María del Carmen Valls Martínez and Mayra Soledad Grasso

Mathematics 2021, 9(11), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9111228 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3515

Abstract

This article aims to provide information to public agencies and policymakers on the determinants of health systems and their relationships that influence citizens’ health–disease status. A total of 61 indicators for each of 17 Spanish autonomous communities were collected from the Spanish Ministry [...] Read more.

This article aims to provide information to public agencies and policymakers on the determinants of health systems and their relationships that influence citizens’ health–disease status. A total of 61 indicators for each of 17 Spanish autonomous communities were collected from the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services, and Equality between 2008 and 2017. The applied technique was partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Concerning health–disease status, an influence of sustainability and performance on the health system was hypothesized. The findings revealed that health system sustainability had a negative effect on health–disease status, measured in terms of disease incidence. However, the relationship between health system performance and health–disease status is positive. Furthermore, health system performance mediates the relationship between sustainability and health–disease status. According to our study, if we consider the opposite poles that make up the definition of health–disease status (well-being and disease), this concept is defined more by the incidence of the negative aspect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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24 pages, 2128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Antecedents of Cruisers’ Destination Loyalty: Cognitive Destination Image and Cruisers’ Satisfaction

by María Dolores Benítez-Márquez, Guillermo Bermúdez-González, Eva María Sánchez-Teba and Elena Cruz-Ruiz

Mathematics 2021, 9(11), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9111218 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2922

Abstract

This study is one of the few of its kind that explores the individual impact of each of the cognitive attributes of a tourist destination’s image on cruisers’ destination loyalty and overall satisfaction. It also analyzes the mediating role of satisfaction between each [...] Read more.

This study is one of the few of its kind that explores the individual impact of each of the cognitive attributes of a tourist destination’s image on cruisers’ destination loyalty and overall satisfaction. It also analyzes the mediating role of satisfaction between each of the attributes and loyalty. Variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for this analysis, based on a survey of 457 cruisers visiting the city of Malaga. The results confirm that three of the five attributes, the destination’s environment image, the perceived value image of services and the accessibility image have a direct influence on cruisers’ overall satisfaction, where environment image has the most significant impact. Moreover, the results support the mediating role of satisfaction in certain cases. There is total mediation between perceived value and loyalty, as well as between accessibility image and loyalty while there is only partial complementary mediation between environment image and loyalty. The confirmation that overall satisfaction influences loyalty enables management organizations to develop more efficient loyalty strategies for their respective destinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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28 pages, 1569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Governance Paradigms and Other Drivers Affect Public Managers’ Use of Innovation Practices. A PLS-SEM Analysis and Model

by Alberto Peralta and Luis Rubalcaba

Mathematics 2021, 9(9), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9091055 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3884

Abstract

Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for Innovations in the Public Sector (UTAUT-IPS) model, this study examined the influences on using a specific innovation practice on public managers. We based our analysis on an end-of-2019 sample of 227 Spanish [...] Read more.

Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for Innovations in the Public Sector (UTAUT-IPS) model, this study examined the influences on using a specific innovation practice on public managers. We based our analysis on an end-of-2019 sample of 227 Spanish public managers, aiming to answer the question “Are public innovation and project managers driven only by a governance paradigm, influencing their intention and usage of an innovation practice?” Using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) algorithm, we singled out the effects of the governance paradigm, performance expectancy, and motivation, among seven other behavioral composite variables. The PLS-Prediction-Oriented Segmentation routine was used to segment our sample into three distinct groups of innovation managers: (i) those driven by nearly all influences; (ii) those driven by results and the governance paradigm; and (iii) those driven by governance and habits. The three groups highlight the different practical approaches to public innovation and co-creation initiatives, which clearly reflect the complex process of deciding which tool (or tools) should be used to implement these. Our UTAUT-IPS model helps visualize this complex decision-making process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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18 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effect of Status Quo, Innovativeness, and Involvement Tendencies on Luxury Fashion Innovations: The Mediation Role of Status Consumption

by Andreea-Ionela Puiu, Anca Monica Ardeleanu, Camelia Cojocaru and Anca Bratu

Mathematics 2021, 9(9), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9091051 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4359

Abstract

The article explores the mechanisms that affect consumers’ interest in luxury clothing innovations. The actual research aims to investigate the effect of status quo and clothing involvement on consumer brand loyalty. More, it was intended to quantify the influence of the level of [...] Read more.

The article explores the mechanisms that affect consumers’ interest in luxury clothing innovations. The actual research aims to investigate the effect of status quo and clothing involvement on consumer brand loyalty. More, it was intended to quantify the influence of the level of engagement concerning clothing acquisition and the status quo tendency on the consumers’ level of interest toward innovative luxury fashion products. The models were analyzed through the partial-least square-path modeling method. The results revealed that status quo bias and consumers’ involvement in fashion influence their loyalty to brands and level of innovativeness. The novelty of the present research comes from the analysis of the impact of the status quo manifest variables on consumers’ innovative tendencies. Moreover, it was found that status consumption fully mediates the relationships among the investigated predictors and considered outcome variables. The mediator manifests the highest effect size of all investigated predictors. The actual paper advances research in a direction that was not sufficiently addressed in the past, introducing the status quo construct as the main predictor of peoples’ inclination to be loyal to a brand or to manifest a tendency toward innovativeness. Moreover, the article emphasizes the essential role manifested by social status in foreseeing a behavioral response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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15 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Quality Lean Manufacturing Tools on Commercial Benefits Gained by Mexican Maquiladoras

by Jorge Luis García Alcaraz, Flor Adriana Martínez Hernández, Jesús Everardo Olguín Tiznado, Arturo Realyvásquez Vargas, Emilio Jiménez Macías and Carlos Javierre Lardies

Mathematics 2021, 9(9), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9090971 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3207

Abstract

Companies implement lean manufacturing (LM) tools in their production processes to reduce waste; however, it is difficult to quantify the effect on benefits gained after their implementation. This article proposes a structural equations model (SEM) that relates three LM tools associated with quality [...] Read more.

Companies implement lean manufacturing (LM) tools in their production processes to reduce waste; however, it is difficult to quantify the effect on benefits gained after their implementation. This article proposes a structural equations model (SEM) that relates three LM tools associated with quality as total quality management (TQM), waste, and right first time (RFT) as independent variables associated with commercial benefits gained as a dependent variable. Those four variables were related by six hypotheses that were validated with information from 169 responses to a survey applied to the Mexican maquiladora industry. Partial least squared was used to validate the hypotheses as direct effects. The sum of indirect and total effects was also estimated, and a sensitivity analysis was developed for relationships between variables. Findings indicate that TQM directly affects waste reduction, drives doing RFT, and directly and indirectly affects the commercial benefits gained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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18 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emerging Economies’ Institutional Quality and International Competitiveness: A PLS-SEM Approach

by Ricardo E. Buitrago R., María Inés Barbosa Camargo and Favio Cala Vitery

Mathematics 2021, 9(9), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9090928 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3581

Abstract

The home country’s institutional framework determines the capacity to compete in the global arena. This paper discusses the linkage between institutional quality (IQ) and international competitiveness (IC). We measured institutions’ quality in emerging economies through the use of selected indicators between 2007–2017. To [...] Read more.

The home country’s institutional framework determines the capacity to compete in the global arena. This paper discusses the linkage between institutional quality (IQ) and international competitiveness (IC). We measured institutions’ quality in emerging economies through the use of selected indicators between 2007–2017. To evaluate the proposed IQ constructs and their relationship with IC, we applied partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. The model outcomes suggest that political and lack of systemic conditions have a significant and negative effect on international competitiveness, while science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resource conditions have a significant and positive effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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16 pages, 532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Stock Market Investment Intention and Behavior among Malaysian Working Adults Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling

by Marvello Yang, Abdullah Al Mamun, Muhammad Mohiuddin, Sayed Samer Ali Al-Shami and Noor Raihani Zainol

Mathematics 2021, 9(8), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9080873 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 9038

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of risk tolerance, financial well-being, financial literacy, overconfidence bias, herding behavior, and social interaction on stock market investment intention and stock market participation among working adults in Malaysia. Adopting the cross-sectional design, this [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of risk tolerance, financial well-being, financial literacy, overconfidence bias, herding behavior, and social interaction on stock market investment intention and stock market participation among working adults in Malaysia. Adopting the cross-sectional design, this study collected quantitative data from a total of 349 respondents in an online survey via Google form link across various social media platforms. This study used the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to test the hypotheses. This study revealed the significant positive effects of risk tolerance, herding behavior, and social interaction on stock market investment intention. Stock market investment intention also had a significant effect on stock market participation. Stock market investment intention was also found to successfully mediate the relationships of risk tolerance and overconfidence bias with stock market participation. When it comes to stock market investment, the government and related authorities should focus on developing programs and policies that provide a financial safety net for investors and promote investment-related social platforms. This study linked risk tolerance, financial well-being, financial literacy, overconfidence bias, herding behavior, social interaction, stock market investment intention, and stock market participation. This is one of the few early attempts to address issues in light of the stock market investment participation among the working adults in a developing country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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14 pages, 733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Consciousness in Online Shopping Behavior

by Luis Miguel López-Bonilla, Borja Sanz-Altamira and Jesús Manuel López-Bonilla

Mathematics 2021, 9(7), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9070729 - 28 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3819

Abstract

Self-consciousness can be considered as the internal disposition to direct attention to oneself. This dispositional tendency can be focused on private aspects of the self, but also on public characteristics of the individual. We examine self-consciousness in online consumer behavior. This concept has [...] Read more.

Self-consciousness can be considered as the internal disposition to direct attention to oneself. This dispositional tendency can be focused on private aspects of the self, but also on public characteristics of the individual. We examine self-consciousness in online consumer behavior. This concept has been poorly investigated in consumer research. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of the dimensions of self-consciousness in consumer adoption of online shopping. This study is based on a sample of 725 Spanish undergraduates. Findings indicated that public self-consciousness is a significant predictor of the adoption of online shopping, and inversely affects perceived ease of use and usefulness. These results may have important implications in the segmentation of users of self-service technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Applications in Economics and Finance)

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