Different encounter behaviors: Businesses in encounters with regulatory agencies

Abstract

Studies on regulatory encounters have shown that the interaction between regulator and regulatee is important for implementation of public policy. Much of this research examines how the behavior of frontline workers in such encounters affects regulatee compliance, that is, an outcome of the encounter, but we know less about the behavior that regulatees bring to these encounters. This paper therefore examines how businesses behave in encounters with regulatory authorities, and whether we can identify distinct, multidimensional types of encounter behavior. Using survey data from representative samples of Danish businesses and an exploratory cluster analysis, we identify five types of encounter behavior. We label these “Cooperators,” “Accommodators,” “Game players,” “Protesters,” and “Fighters.” We believe this framework provides a useful next step in a research agenda on businesses' behavior in regulatory encounters.

Determinants of regulatory compliance in health and social care services: a systematic review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

“…For example, one may wish to understand how the behaviour of organisations (and individuals within those organisations) during regulatory encounters impacts on the compliance outcome, building on contemporary work in other settings. (252)…”

Determinants of regulatory compliance in health and social care services: A systematic review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

“…Thirdly, the heavy focus on objectivist approaches could be complemented by more interpretive and qualitative research. For example, one may wish to understand how the behaviour of organisations (and individuals within those organisations) during regulatory encounters impacts on the compliance outcome, building on contemporary work in other settings [ 254 ].…”