Test of the mediating effects of regulatory decision tools in the communications regulator

• Covariance structural analyses revealed regulatory decision tool variables to be influential mechanisms through which governance mechanisms affect regulation.
• Regulatory instruments and delegated powers mediate the effects of independence and participation on regulation.
• Although accountability was related to delegated powers, neither accountability nor personnel was related to enhanced regulations.

Research shows consistent relationships between governance mechanisms and regulations. In this study, the authors developed and tested a model of regulation for examining the mediating effects of regulatory decision tools on the relationships between governance mechanisms and regulations in the communications regulator (N=164). Covariance structural analyses revealed regulatory decision tool variables to be influential mechanisms through which governance mechanisms affect regulation. Specifically, regulatory instruments and delegated powers mediate the effects of independence and participation on regulation. Although accountability was related to delegated powers, neither accountability nor personnel was related to enhanced regulations. The importance of the proposed regulatory decision tool model is discussed.