Welcome to the Regulatory Behavior Lab!

At the Regulatory Behavior Lab, we study how regulation operates in practice (de facto) rather than solely as formally prescribed (de jure). Our research analyzes the decision-making, communication, and stakeholder interactions of regulatory authorities, and how these practices are interpreted and responded to by citizens and other relevant stakeholder.

We investigate the behavioral foundations of regulatory governance by addressing questions such as:

• How do regulators make judgments and exercise bureaucratic discretion under conditions of political and societal contestation?
• How does regulatory communication affect stakeholder perceptions of  legitimacy and organizational reputation?
• How do public evaluations translate into regulatory rule acceptance, compliance, or contestation?

By integrating insights from public administration, political science, psychology, and behavioral science, the Lab advances theory on regulatory governance as well as aims to generate evidence-based knowledge to support regulators in acting effectively, credibly, and responsively in complex societal environments.

Our research spans multiple policy domains (including environmental protection, financial supervision, public health, and consumer safety) and examines regulatory authorities operating at local, national, and international levels.

Explore our team, research, and opportunities to collaborate or join our growing group.