Double moderated mediation models: problems and (part) remedies

Researchers in management regularly face modelling issues that involve double-moderated mediation models. Here, the author illustrates how to conceptualise, specify and empirically estimate mediation effects when having to simultaneously account for continuous (Likert type) and nominal (i.e. group) moderator variables. Researchers’ estimates of the mediation effects suffer serious bias because of the effects of unaccounted confounders. This is an issue that plagues management research, and this study aims to show how to address these valid reservations for its focus models. In aiming to inform a wider management audience, the study deliberately uses the rich context of a focus case as this allows the author to clarify the nuances that management researchers face applying double-moderated mediation models. Specifically, the study’s focus case is on professionals’ willingness to implement a new government policy. The study also combines traditional and Bayesian statistical approaches and explains the differences in estimation and interpretation that are associated with the Bayesian approach. Explaining, and exemplifying the use of, the models, the author focuses on how one can substantially increase the robustness of the methods used in management research and can considerably improve the quality of the generated theoretical insights. The study also clarifies important assumptions and solutions.

The study uses a doubled moderated mediation Bayesian approach, and draws the sample data from a population of 5,199 professionals, all members of either the Dutch Association of Psychologists or the Dutch Association for Psychiatry. The data collection process resulted in 1,307 questionnaires being returned, a response rate of 25 per cent. All the items were measured using a Likert scale, ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”, unless stated otherwise.

Explaining, and exemplifying the use of, the models the study focuses on how one can substantially increase the robustness of the methods used in management research and can considerably improve the quality of the generated theoretical insights.

This is an original approach exemplified for wider use by management researchers.