An interest group is an organized group whose members share common views and objectives and actively carry out programs to influence government officials and public policies. Their goal is not to run the government, but to ensure favourable treatment for themselves, their members and their interests.
The size and influence of interest groups vary according to the Social and Political Context of each nation, but their main electoral objective is the same-- to influence public opinion and the outcome of the vote through lobbying and campaigning.
The interest groups discussed in this section are those organized around personal, economic or other material interest. Public interest groups that act on behalf of the public are discussed in NonGovernmental Organizations.
Lobbying
Most interest groups hire professional lobbyists to carry out programs to influence policy makers, policies and voters. Lobbyists spend time and money to influence those already in office and to help candidates and parties who support their interest to win elections.
Lobbyists can be of assistance to policy makers and regulators by providing factual information on their areas of interest. They can also testify on issues in public hearings.
However, lobbyists are often criticized for their use of selected facts, and misrepresenting them for propaganda purposes. Because lobbyists are focussed on promoting the interest of the group that hired them, their interest and those of the public interest, are not always the same.
Lobbyists also use money as a means to influence public opinion and policymaker actions. They can entertain candidates and policymakers at expensive restaurants or weekend getaways. They can use soft money to support a particular campaign or election issue through advertising in the mass media.
The amount of money spent by lobbyists and the manner in which it is spent can raise concerns that interest groups are buying influence and special treatment. As a result, most countries require lobbyists to register (see Lobbying Registration) and to disclose their lobbying activities and spending.
Lobbying Ethics
Lobbying is similar to campaigning. It is a part of the election process that seeks to influence public opinion and action. Lobbyists must have the same high standards of Ethical Behaviour as the other participants in an electoral process.
Although lobbyists can be highly partisan, and solely interested in promoting their own interests, they still must abide by the rules and regulations set out in the legal and regulative framework. This can include full disclosure of their employer, source of funding, what they do with that funding and what their lobbying activities entail.
