Free VS. Paid Software in Strutural Modeling: Results from Amos and R Studio Lavaan in Organizational Climate Analysis

Objective: The objective of this research was to compare the results of structural equation models with latent variables (SEM) using the covariance-based maximum likelihood method, employing two different software applications for this purpose (Amos and R Studio Lavaan). Theoretical Framework: This article presents the main concepts and theories underlying this research, addressing the use of SEM in organizational climate analysis and its importance in the educational context to evaluate key constructs in institutional dynamics. Method: The constructs were derived from an organizational climate evaluation of a higher education institution in Mexico. The “Organizational Climate Inventory” was applied, selecting five subscales: Satisfaction, Pride and Belonging, Clarity of Goals and Objectives, Collaborative Work, and Efficiency and Effectiveness. Administrative, managerial, academic, and service staff were invited to participate, achieving a sample of n = 801. Results and Discussion: The results from Amos vs. R Studio Lavaan confirmed that there were no significant differences between the SEMs regarding paths, standardized regression coefficients, R², goodness-of-fit indices, and correlation coefficients. Efficiency and Effectiveness (83.0%) was explained by the influence of Clarity of Goals and Objectives (0.11), Satisfaction (0.26), Collaborative Work (0.31), and Pride and Belonging (0.37) based on standardized regression coefficients. Collaborative Work (52.0%) was explained by the influence of Clarity of Goals and Objectives (0.49) and Pride and Belonging (0.29). The instrument demonstrated reliability levels above 0.70, as well as convergent validity greater than 0.50 and discriminant validity above 0.70 across all subscales. Research Implications: Theoretical and practical implications of this study highlight the feasibility of using free software for SEM analysis, offering institutions an efficient and accessible alternative. Originality/Value: This Study Contributes to the Literature by Validating the Use of Free Software as An Effective and Accurate Tool for Structural Analysis in Educational Contexts Without Additional Costs.