Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Due to the exponential increase of publications about red tape over the past two decades, an integrative review is needed to lay the jigsaw puzzle on empirical red tape research and identify blind spots in the literature. This study addresses this issue by reviewing 139 empirical studies across social science disciplines and mapping the nomological network of red tape (i.e. antecedents, measurements, outcomes, moderators and mediators). Findings indicate several blind spots, namely a lack of studies from the Global South, from non-local government organizations (including companies and nonprofits), and using comparative, multilevel, qualitative, or mixed-method designs. A range of antecedents, moderators and mediators at the individual, organizational, institutional and across levels are also identified. In conclusion, a nomological network is constructed and a research agenda is formulated aimed at understanding the complex causalities surrounding red tape, and the impact specific conditions have on its emergence or consequences.
Authors: Qianhui Li, Bert George
Institution: City University of Hong Kong
Language: English
Subfield: Public Administration
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: City University of Hong Kong
OpenAlex ID: W4409872232