Power Analysis For Mediation Analysis in Management

Power analysis is a critical methodological tool for ensuring adequate sample sizes in research, yet its application in mediation models remains underexplored in management studies. This paper provides a comprehensive guide to conducting power analyses for simple mediation models, addressing the challenges posed by the interplay of effect sizes, sample sizes, and measurement reliability. Drawing on recent advancements in statistical methods, we outline strategies for accurately estimating power in models involving indirect effects, which are often smaller and more complex than direct effects. Practical recommendations are provided to assist researchers in optimizing study designs, balancing resource constraints, and enhancing the robustness of mediation analyses. By demonstrating the application of power analysis through illustrative examples in management contexts, this study aims to advance methodological rigor and foster greater confidence in mediation research. The implications for theory development and empirical testing are discussed, highlighting the importance of power analysis as a cornerstone for high-quality management research.