The conceptualization and analysis of change over time: An integrative approach incorporating longitudinal mean and covariance structures analysis (LMACS) and multiple indicator latent growth modeling (MLGM)

Abstract

The concept of change over time is fundamental to many phenomena investigated in organizational research. This didactically oriented article proposes an integrative approach incorporating longitudinal mean and covariance structures analysis and multiple indicator latent growth modeling to aid organizational researchers in directly addressing fundamental questions concerning the conceptualization and analysis of change over time. The approach is illustrated using a numerical example involving several organizationally relevant variables. Advantages, limitations, and extensions of the approach are discussed.