Article: Increasing the validity of organisational researches: proposal for a fuzzy system that replicates the summative aggregation of the Likert-type scale Journal: Latin American Journal of Management for Sustainable Development (LAJMSD) 2025 Vol.6 No.4 pp.392 - 414 Abstract: This paper proposes an approach for item aggregation using a Sugeno-type inference system that reproduces Likert's summative aggregation results. The system employs two linguistic terms (agreement and disagreement) with triangular membership functions and linear output rules proportional to the number of agreements and disagreements, thus replicating the average of the inputs. This method reframes the validity of using Likert-type scales by relying on continuous membership and output functions, ensuring continuous outputs suitable for parametric tests and quantitative analyses. The approach allows researchers to aggregate data through simple averaging while gaining the theoretical benefits of fuzzy inference modeling. Its practical value lies in maintaining the simplicity of traditional Likert aggregation while enhancing conceptual rigor and methodological validity. The paper also includes an analytical and practical application demonstrating how this system can be implemented to strengthen the consistency and interpretability of results based on Likert-type measurements. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Increasing the validity of organisational researches: proposal for a fuzzy system that replicates the summative aggregation of the Likert-type scale

Authors: Carlos Alberto Gabrielli Barreto Campello; Janaina de Moura Engracia Giraldi

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto (SP), CEP: 14040-905, Brazil ' Department of Business Administration, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto (SP), CEP: 14040-905, Brazil

Abstract: This paper proposes an approach for item aggregation using a Sugeno-type inference system that reproduces Likert's summative aggregation results. The system employs two linguistic terms (agreement and disagreement) with triangular membership functions and linear output rules proportional to the number of agreements and disagreements, thus replicating the average of the inputs. This method reframes the validity of using Likert-type scales by relying on continuous membership and output functions, ensuring continuous outputs suitable for parametric tests and quantitative analyses. The approach allows researchers to aggregate data through simple averaging while gaining the theoretical benefits of fuzzy inference modeling. Its practical value lies in maintaining the simplicity of traditional Likert aggregation while enhancing conceptual rigor and methodological validity. The paper also includes an analytical and practical application demonstrating how this system can be implemented to strengthen the consistency and interpretability of results based on Likert-type measurements.

Keywords: Likert scale; item aggregation; fuzzy inference system; FIS; Sugeno system.

DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2025.151057

Latin American Journal of Management for Sustainable Development, 2025 Vol.6 No.4, pp.392 - 414

Received: 11 Mar 2024
Accepted: 11 Dec 2024
Published online: 12 Jan 2026 *

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Title: Increasing the validity of organisational researches: proposal for a fuzzy system that replicates the summative aggregation of the Likert-type scale

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