Regulatory theorists propose the possibility of regulatory agency `capture' by external interests. However, the possibility of internal capture, meaning `self-inflicted, `that reflects regulator self-deception has not been expressly considered. This article probes this possibility by reviewing and integrating available literature on self-deception with regulatory enforcement literature. A five-stage model of regulatory enforcement behavior reflecting by a self-deceptive motive is advanced. A series of propositions arising from the model are presented. he article concludes with recommendations for minimizing self-inflicted capture's recurrence in the future.
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