The theoretical base for the ATO compliance model

Abstract

The ATO Compliance Model was developed by the Cash Economy Task Force between 1996 and 1998 (Commonwealth of Australia, 1998a). The model drew on two theoretical frameworks from regulation – responsive regulation (Ayres and Braithwaite, 1992; Braithwaite, 2002 based on fieldwork described in Braithwaite, 1985; Grabosky and Braithwaite, 1986) and motivational posturing (Braithwaite, Braithwaite, Gibson, and Makkai, 1994; Braithwaite, 1995). Both theoretical frameworks are grounded in data from surveys, observations and interviews relating to regulators and regulatees in action. These data, collected in different settings, were interpreted against a background of social science theory, most notably reactance theory (Brehm and Brehm, 1981), procedural justice theory (Tyler, 1990, 1997), self-categorisation theory (Turner, 1987), defiance theory (Sherman, 1993) and reintegrative shaming theory (Braithwaite, 1989; Ahmed, Harris, Braithwaite and Braithwaite, 2001). Ideas and data were then pulled together to develop the theoretical frameworks described in more detail below.