Understanding the nomological network of red tape: Synthesis and research agenda

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.

© 2025 The Author(s)