Testing for Mediating Variables in Management Research: Concerns, Implications, and Alternative Strategies

• DOI: 10.1177/0149206304272149
• Publication Date: 2005-05-23T22:18:11Z
• Authors: J. Myles Shaver
• Keywords: Empirical Research; Variables; Alternative hypothesis

Due to the nature of data employed and concepts tested, standard tests for mediating variables in management research can often violate an assumption on which these are built. As a result, estimates from lack desirable statistical properties lead incorrect conclusions. This article highlights when will assumptions underlying variables, suggests alternative strategy that provides better estimates, discusses theoretical empirical demands strategy, demonstrates magnitude improve by using suggested approach.