A miracle of measurement or accidental constructivism? How PLS subverts the realist search for truth

<p>Purpose</p> <p>This study aims to determine whether partial least squares path modeling (PLS) is fit for purpose for scholars holding scientific realist views.</p> <p>Design/methodology/approach</p> <p>The authors present the philosophical foundations of scientific realism and constructivism and examine the extent to which PLS aligns with them.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>PLS does not align with scientific realism but aligns well with constructivism.</p> <p>Research limitations/implications</p> <p>Research is needed to assess PLS’s fit with instrumentalism and pragmatism.</p> <p>Practical implications</p> <p>PLS has no utility as a realist scientific tool but may be of interest to constructivists.</p> <p>Originality/value</p> <p>To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess PLS’s alignments and mismatches with constructivist and scientific realist perspectives.</p>