Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has become a standard tool for analyzing complex inter-relationships between observed and latent variables in tourism and numerous other fields of scientific inquiry. Along with the recent surge in the method’s use, research has contributed several complementary methods for assessing the robustness of PLS-SEM results. Although these improvements are documented in extant literature, research on tourism has been slow to adopt the relevant complementary methods. This article illustrates the use of recent advances in PLS-SEM, designed to ensure structural model results’ robustness in terms of nonlinear effects, endogeneity, and unobserved heterogeneity in a PLS-SEM framework. Our overarching aim is to encourage the routine use of these complementary methods to increase methodological rigor in the field.

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) is an essential element of marketing researchers' methodological toolbox. During the last decade, the PLS‐SEM field has undergone massive developments, raising the question of whether the method's users are following the most recent best practice guidelines. Extending prior research in the field, this paper presents the results of a new analysis of PLS‐SEM use in marketing research, focusing on articles published between 2011 and 2020 in the top 30 marketing journals. While researchers were more aware of the when's and how's of PLS‐SEM use during the period studied, we find that there continues to be some delay in the adoption of model evaluation's best practices. Based on our review results, we provide recommendations for future PLS‐SEM use, offer guidelines for the method's application, and identify areas of further research interest.

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Purpose This study aims to reexamine the discriminant validity of the customer-based corporate reputation (CBR) scale in both its original and short forms. Design/methodology/approach The authors used data from end-use customers in two countries and two service industries. Results obtained in partial least squares structural equation modeling for the heterotrait–monotrait (HTMT)-based inference test and the Fornell and Larcker criterion were compared to make judgements about the empirical distinctiveness of the CBR scale’s five dimensions. Findings This study’s findings demonstrate that the CBR scale in both its original and short forms lacks discriminant validity when using the HTMT-based inference test. Conversely, the discriminant validity of the five corporate reputation dimensions is generally supported when using the more liberal Fornell and Larcker criterion. Research limitations/implications Future studies using the CBR scale in either the original or its short form should rely on the more stringent HTMT criterion to ensure the discriminant validity of the scale’s five dimensions. Originality/value By addressing recent findings regarding the HTMT criterion’s superiority in uncovering discriminant validity issues compared to that of the Fornell and Larcker criterion, this study is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to reexamine the discriminant validity of the well-known CBR scale.