Methodological Question : Combining SmartPLS (SEM) with PROCESS Macro (Serial Mediation)

[Oussama R]

Dear Prof. Neeraj and group members,

I would like to seek your expert advice on a methodological question.

In my current study, I tested the direct and indirect relationships (H1, H2, H3, and H4) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS.  Subsequently, I added Hypothesis 5 (H5) to examine a serial mediation pathway, in line with a reviewer’s comment (see Figure).

Job Equity => Engagement => Satisfaction => Innovation  => Performance

I used PROCESS Macro in SPSS for this additional analysis.

My question is: Is it methodologically acceptable to combine SmartPLS for SEM with PROCESS Macro for serial mediation within the same model?

Thank you very much for your guidance and insights.

[Neeraj Kaushik]

Dear Oussama,

While you will find many published papers that combine PLS-SEM and PROCESS Macro, leading experts such as Marko Sarstedt, Joseph F. Hair, Jr., and their colleagues have expressed concerns about this approach.

In their paper,  Beyond a tandem analysis of SEM and PROCESS: Use of PLS-SEM for mediation analyses!, they specifically advise against using PLS-SEM construct scores as input for PROCESS Macro for further mediation or moderation computations.

Instead, they recommend running the full analysis entirely within the PLS-SEM framework. This ensures valid, robust, and efficient results, including the use of bootstrapping for indirect effects and any conditional process modeling that may be required.

Best wishes

Neeraj 

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[Prof. Arunkumar Dubey]

SmartPLS itself is capable of handling complex models (in your case as well). What's the point in shifting to another software? Some reviewer might question it or altogether ignore too depending on your luck. 

As a curiosity, check the sequential mediation results in SmartPLS and compare it with SPSS process macro output. Are they same? 

If not try to find the reason for this variation..

To be pertinent.... Stick to SmartPLS...

[Oussama R]

  Many thanks, Professors Neeraj and Arunkumar, for your thoughtful feedback!

 Best regards, 

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