The choice of employing CB-SEM or PLS-SEM is not discretionary, rather it depends upon your research objectives. If you want to develop a new theory (exploratory research), then PLS-SEM is preferred and if you want to test a theory (confirmatory research), then CB-SEM will be better choice. Look up your objectives of research that will assist you in deciding.

This choice is indeed a complex one. I would recommend checking out this paper for a systematic comparison:

McIntosh, C. N., Edwards, J. R., & Antonakis, J. (2014). Reflections on Partial Least Squares Path Modeling. Organizational Research Methods, 17(2), 210-251.

Dear Toshali,

See this topic: "Can we use both Smart PLS & CB (AMOS) together in a single research?"

I think that is useful for your question!

Regards.

http://www.researchgate.net/post/Can_we_use_both_Smart_PLS_CB_AMOS_together_in_a_single_research

I am extremely skeptical that PLS-SEM is a useful technique. It certainly does not seem to be SEM in the formal sense. See attached for discussion of a paper that discusses the two approaches.

http://psychologicalstatistics.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/pls-think-twice-about-partial-least.html

Both can handle higher order models. It is not about the order of the models that determine whether you should use Pls-SEM or full SEM.. It is the type of you study whether it is Exploratory or Confirmatory. For Exploratory studies - you employ Pls-SEM, and for Confirmatory studies - employ full SEM.

Thanks Prof for the info...

For more on exploratory vs. confirmatory modeling in PLS vs. SEM see this recent paper:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304253718_Partial_least_squares_path_modeling_Time_for_some_serious_second_thoughts

Article Partial least squares path modeling: Time for some serious s...

Hey to further shed some light in the discussion of PLS vs CB-SEM , see

Rigdon, E. E. Choosing PLS path modeling as analytical method in European management research: A realist perspective European Management Journal, Elsevier, 2016

Sarstedt, M.; Hair, J. F.; Ringle, C. M.; Thiele, K. O. & Gudergan, S. P. Estimation issue with PLS and CBSEM: Where the bias lies! Journal of Business Research, 2016, 69, 3998-4010

Best regards,