What makes pressure groups effective

Business is increasingly coming under attack by pressure groups. Many managers, and particularly those in marketing functions, are having to respond to these challenges.

Others are at least having to take cognisance of pressure groups. The nature of pressure groups, their role, the different types that may be found and how they operate are considered. Pressure group actions involving business are also discussed, but activity is emphasised. Managers are urged to seek an understanding of pressure groups, especially those groups likely to take an interest in their business.

Smith, N. Thus, these organizations fall across the political spectrum. Pressure groups act as a liaison between stakeholders and elected officials , making them an essential part of the public affairs field. Pressure groups can effectively advocate for a specific issue on behalf of stakeholders, ultimately creating a change that the stakeholder wants to see.

See multiple real-world examples of how you can use effective government relations strategies to achieve your advocacy goals. Your browser is outdated. Upgrade to a modern browser to better experience this site. Your browser has turned off or is blocking Javascript. How do pressure groups relate to public affairs? This group is a good example of how social media can be harnessed to influence the government.

Arguments in favour of the idea that pressure groups and other interests are good for democracy include the following:. Arguments against the idea that pressure groups and other interests are good for democracy include the following:.

The work of think tanks is only considered if their advice is practical and agreeable to the government. Lobbyists: people paid by organisations or corporations to try to influence MPs and ministers. The term derives from the fact that they often used to talk to politicians in hallways and corridors in the Houses of Parliament.

Lobbyists may offer financial rewards to MPs in return for raising issues and asking questions in Parliament. Concerns have been raised over the extent to which lobbyists can influence the democratic process.

Corporations: large businesses also try to influence the policy process, which has been a source of concern to pro-democracy campaigners. Whilst many cause groups have utilised social media to enhance their influence, it has been argued that pressure group power is not increasing in the same way for all groups. Until the s , the practice of corporatism was followed, whereby groups were closely integrated with the government. This was brought to an end by the Thatcher government, which had a strong suspicion of the trade unions, and so began to deny access to such groups.