Indicators of Independence in Regulatory Commissions

Title: Indicators of Independence in Regulatory Commissions

Research Question: How do institutional structures and relationships influence the work practices of independent regulatory commissions, specifically the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?

Methodology: The study uses a qualitative research approach to analyze the FCC's work practices. It examines the political/legal structure, symbolic structure, and the effects of these structures on the agency's independence. Data was collected through literature review, interviews, and observations.

Results: The research found that the political/legal structure and symbolic structure of the FCC influence its work practices. The political/legal structure, being iterative, encourages staff to consider all viewpoints during each iteration of work on a particular topic. The symbolic structure, which values public trustee role, is reinterpreted and reproduced by staff, influencing their decision-making. Professional staff from fields like economics, law, and engineering incorporate technical criteria into agency work practices, promoting objective decision-making.

Implications: This research suggests that the uniqueness of each regulatory context will determine the steps required to ensure that an agency's preference is to make policy choices based on more than one constituent's position. It also highlights the importance of considering both institutional structure and work practices when creating or assessing regulatory commissions.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0109074v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0109074v1