Non-symmetrical composite-based path modeling

Partial least squares path modeling presents some inconsistencies in terms of coherence with the predictive directions specified in the inner model (i.e. the path directions), because the directions of the links in the inner model are not taken into account in the iterative algorithm. In fact, the procedure amplifies interdependence among blocks and fails to distinguish between dependent and explanatory blocks. The method proposed in this paper takes into account and respects the specified path directions, with the aim of improving the predictive ability of the model and to maintain the hypothesized theoretical inner model. To highlight its properties, the proposed method is compared to the classical PLS path modeling in terms of explained variability, predictive relevance and interpretation using artificial data through a real data application. A further development of the method allows to treat multi-dimensional blocks in composite-based path modeling