International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research, and Technology (IJSET)
Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): APRIL

CROSS-CULTURAL MARKETING RESEARCH: ADVANCING MEASUREMENT INVARIANCE PRACTICES FOR ROBUST EQUIVALENCE TESTING

Sistiana (Universitas Riau Kepulauan)
Lukmanul Hakim (Universitas Riau Kepulauan)
Dahrul Aman Harahap (Universitas Riau Kepulauan)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examines the current state of measurement invariance in cross-cultural marketing research, identifying a critical imbalance between widespread method usage and methodological rigor. Findings indicate that while Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MG-CFA) remains the dominant approach, its application is often incomplete, frequently stopping at configural or metric invariance. This failure to reach scalar invariance limits the validity of cross-cultural comparisons, particularly when comparing latent means. Furthermore, inconsistent reporting practices and a lack of transparency regarding model specifications and fit indices undermine the reproducibility and credibility of findings. The review identifies significant methodological challenges, including sample heterogeneity, cultural bias in measurement instruments, and limited statistical power, which complicate testing and lead to inconsistent results. Although advanced methodological trends like partial invariance and alignment optimization offer more flexible and nuanced solutions, their adoption remains uneven. This highlights a persistent gap between methodological innovation and actual research practices. To address these issues, the study recommends improving methodological training, standardizing reporting practices, and embracing open science to ensure more robust and reliable cross-cultural research.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijset

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Humanities Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education

Description

International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research, and Technology (IJSET) is an international journal that publishes popular articles in the fields of Social Science, Education, Economics, Agricultural Research, and Technology. IJSET is published every month in ...