Reconsidering the Problem of Common-Method Variance in Organizational Communication Research

Abstract

This manuscript details the different attributes associated with the problem of common-method variance. First, upon defining validity, we review the two primary ways by which scholars attempt to control for common-method variance, and in doing so discuss their merits. Second, we provide two alternative explanations that may also account for the appearance of disparate correlations, neither of which have to do with common-method variance. Finally, we offer a set of parsimonious solutions for the problem of common-method variance, namely CFA without correlated residuals or modeled method factors. Overall, the purpose of this manuscript is to provide guidance for organizational communication scholars when dealing with this problem.