Henseler, JörgJörgHenselerDijkstra, Theo K.Theo K.DijkstraSarstedt, MarkoMarkoSarstedtRingle, Christian M.Christian M.RingleDiamantopoulos, AdamantiosAdamantiosDiamantopoulosStraub, Detmar W.Detmar W.StraubKetchen, David J.David J.KetchenHair, Joseph F.Joseph F.HairHult, G. Tomas M.G. Tomas M.HultCalantone, Roger J.Roger J.Calantone2018-03-022018-03-022014-04Organizational Research Methods 2 (17): 182-209 (2014)http://tubdok.tub.tuhh.de/handle/11420/1568This article addresses Ro¨nkko¨ and Evermann’s criticisms of the partial least squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modeling. We contend that the alleged shortcomings of PLS are not due to problems with the technique, but instead to three problems with Ro¨nkko¨ and Evermann’s study: (a) the adherence to the common factor model, (b) a very limited simulation designs, and (c) overstretched generalizations of their findings. Whereas Ro¨nkko¨ and Evermann claim to be dispelling myths about PLS, they have in reality created new myths that we, in turn, debunk. By examining their claims, our article contributes to reestablishing a constructive discussion of the PLS method and its properties. We show that PLS does offer advantages for exploratory research and that it is a viable estimator for composite factor models. This can pose an interesting alternative if the common factor model does not hold. Therefore, we can conclude that PLS should continue to be used as an important statistical tool for management and organizational research, as well as other social science disciplines.en1552-742520142182209Sage Publ.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/quantitative researchmultivariate analysisstructural equation modelinglinear techniquespartial least squares path modelingcomposite factor modelWirtschaftJournal Articleurn:nbn:de:gbv:830-8821963710.15480/882.156511420/156810.1177/109442811452692810.15480/882.1565Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich. This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.Journal Article