Conceptual structure and thematic evolution in partial least squares structural equation modeling research

Structural equation modeling (SEM) using partial least squares (PLS) has received considerable attention in recent years. We address the increasing fragmentation of PLS-SEM-related research across multiple fields of scientific inquiry by presenting a bibliometric analysis’s results of n = 9,150 documents from the Web of Science database. We identify the main themes by using bibliometric content analysis to explore the PLS-SEM knowledge structure’s definition, its main drivers, and the interplay between the methodology and the application themes over time. Furthermore, we document the dynamics of the PLS-SEM knowledge structure over four periods spanning 1995–2022, unveiling a surge in scientific production and connections among thematic areas due to topic evolution and hybridization. Finally, we investigate the driving forces behind these trends and the relationship between methodology and application themes, providing an integrative view and insights into PLS-SEM research across disciplines.