Communication of political interest groups in Switzerland: Adressees, channels and instruments

Abstract

We present a broad overview on the Swiss interest group population and the results of a quantitative online survey on the communication repertoire of 985 interest groups. We then discuss sample construction and the different addressees of interest group communication, the perceived relevance of mass media channels, and which instruments and measures are used to communicate with external and internal environments. We identify four different logics -influence, support, reputation and reciprocity -that influence the communication activities of political intermediaries such as interest groups. We present a broad overview on the Swiss interest group population and the results of a quantitative online survey on the communication repertoire of 985 interest groups. We then discuss sample construction and the different addressees of interest group communication, the perceived relevance of mass media channels, and which instruments and measures are used to communicate with external and internal environments. We identify four different logics -influence, support, reputation and reciprocity -that influence the communication activities of political intermediaries such as interest groups.

Interests groups in Parliament: Exploring MPs’ interest affiliations (2000‐2011)

“…Based on the data collected by Jentges et al. (), we expect a similar diversification of the interest groups’ population in Switzerland. Second, the literature on population ecology (see Lowery et al.…”

“…At the same time, the research of Jentges et al. (: 36) on Switzerland suggests a continuous growth of interest groups’ population. As the stock of groups increases, they may be more likely to be represented among MPs’ ties.…”

“…In total, Jentges et al. (: 34‐35) identified 2'475 organizations that were eventually contacted by means of an online survey. Around one third of them took part in the survey and delivered key information about their organization (founding year, policy domain, number of full‐time staff, etc.)…”

Interest groups and social media: An examination of cause and sectional groups' social media strategies in the EU

“…Interest group strategies have been extensively studied by academics over the last decade (e.g., Alexander & Nownes, 2008;Betzold, 2014;Constantelos, 2007;Dür & Mateo, 2013;Gullberg, 2008;Hamilton, Hyman, Torres, & Zúñiga, 2013;Klüver, Mahoney, & Opper, 2015;Lees-Marshment, 2003;Mahoney, 2007;Panagopoulos, 2006;Woll, 2012;Yadav, 2008;Junk, 2016). However, only recently have a few studies focused on the use of social media in interest groups' advocacy toolkits (see Obar, Zube, & Lampe, 2012;Jentges, Brändli, Donges, & Jarren, 2013;Brown, 2016;Chalmers & Shotton, 2016;van der Graaf, Otjes, & Rasmussen, 2016).…”

Interest Organization Demography Research in Europe

“…In Germany, as mentioned earlier, Klüver (2012) Jentges et al (2012Jentges et al ( , 2013 take a similar approach (but they include the OECKL directory as well). Currently, several research projects for which population ecological data is a small or substantial part, most notably this is the Intereuro project (www.intereuro.eu), Interarena project (www.interarena.dk) and recent initiatives by Beyers (Beyers 2014a, Beyers 2014b) that build upon his, and co-authors, Belgian research (Fraussen, Beyers & Donas 2014).…”