Convergent validity assessment of formatively measured constructs in PLS-SEM - On using single-item versus multi-item measures in redundancy analyses

Oct 20, 2026

Researchers in partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) validate formatively specified constructs through redundancy analysis, requiring strong alignment between the formatively measured construct and an alternative criterion measure. This paper investigates when single-item versus multi-item measurement is preferable for that criterion construct. Combining theoretical comparisons with psychometrics, management, and marketing guidance, it then empirically tests hospitality data. Results indicate higher convergent validity for single items with small samples and marginal differences with larger samples, supporting global single-item use.

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Downloaded INSEAD At 06:11 11 October 2018 (PT)by | | | | --- | --- | | International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
Convergent validity assessment of formatively measured constructs in PLS-SEM: On using single-item versus multi-item measures in redundancy analyses
Jun-Hwa Cheah, Marko Sarstedt, Christian M. Ringle, T. Ramayah, Hiram Ting,
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To cite this document:
Jun-Hwa Cheah, Marko Sarstedt, Christian M. Ringle, T. Ramayah, Hiram Ting,(2018) "Convergent validity assessment of formatively measured constructs in PLS-SEM: On using single-item versus multi-item measures in redundancy analyses", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality
Management, [https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0649](https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0649)[ ](https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0649)Permanent link to this document:
[https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0649](https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0649)
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*Related content and download information correct at time of download . | | Downloaded INSEAD At 06:11 11 October 2018 (PT)by The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: [www.emeraldinsight.com/0959-6119.htm](www.emeraldinsight.com/0959-6119.htm) Convergent validity assessment of formatively measured constructsin PLS-SEM On using single-item versus multi-item measures in redundancy analyses Jun-Hwa Cheah International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Marko Sarstedt Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany and Monash University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Christian M. Ringle Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Hamburg, Germany T. Ramayah School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia, and Hiram Ting Sarawak Research Society, Kuching, Malaysia Abstract Purpose – Researchers often use partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to estimate path models that include formatively speciﬁed constructs. Their validation requires running a redundancy analysis, which tests whether the formatively measured construct is highly correlated with an alternative measure of the same construct. Extending prior knowledge in the ﬁeld, this paper aims to examine the conditions favoring the use of single vs multiple items to measure the criterion construct in redundancy analyses. Design/methodology/approach – Merging the literatures from a variety of ﬁelds, such as management, marketing and psychometrics, we ﬁrst provide a theoretical comparison of single-item and multi-item measurement and offer guidelines for designing and validating suitable single items. An empirical

FAQs

What problem does the paper address in PLS-SEM redundancy analysis?

It examines the validation requirements for formatively measured constructs, focusing on how to measure the criterion construct in redundancy analyses using single items versus multi-item measures.

How does the paper compare single-item and multi-item measurement approaches?

It first provides a theoretical comparison using literature across management, marketing, and psychometrics, then offers guidelines for designing and validating appropriate single items.

What do the empirical results show about convergent validity?

In hospitality management, small samples yield higher convergent validity for single items than for reflective multi-item constructs, while larger samples favor multi-item reflective constructs only marginally.

Oct 20, 2026

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