Lobbying is a concept for the purposeful influence of interest groups on the authorities, which is characterized by the following features
1) is aimed at realization of specific interests, adoption of the necessary political decision;
2) is legal in nature
The theory of interest groups was first formulated by the American political scientist A. Betley, who argued that the basis of the political process is the clash and interaction of interest groups.
There are several concepts of origin of interest groups.
In terms of social order and conflict theory, the genesis of interest groups is defined as the result of solidarity of people with similar interests and beliefs. Interacting with each other, these groups are forced to periodically turn to the institutions of power to resolve emerging conflicts.
According to the theory of unforeseen consequences of group interests, the basis of interest groups is formed by individuals who realize that the achievement of economic, social and political benefits is impossible without the organization of collective efforts and actions. At the same time, revenues from mergers and group activities significantly exceed the costs of establishing an organization. Political activity, on the other hand, is an unforeseen consequence of the activities of interest groups, which is aimed at meeting material needs.
The theory of exchange connects the emergence of interest groups with the activities of individual organizers, who seek to get a position in the administrative apparatus of the organization instead of their costs and activity.
Supporters of the theory of engagement treat groups of interests as a result of the activities of selfish individuals, linking the achievement of their goals with the achievement of political goals of the group.
There are two approaches to lobbying.
The prohibitive approach equates lobbyism to criminal activity, and on this basis the supporters of this approach aspire to its elimination.
Regulatory approach - separates legal and illegal lobbying methods, seeks to limit lobbying activities to the legal framework.
The second approach is more productive, as it preserves the "channels" of communication between the public and the authorities and puts the system of functional representation of interests in a civilized framework.
The existence of lobbyism as a political phenomenon is closely connected with the functioning of interest groups and their influence on the authorities. Its development depends on such factors as the level of development of pluralism, the degree of institutionalization of political participation, and the nature of political parties.
In practice, lobbying activities use a variety of ways to influence the authorities. These include:
1) Speaking at hearings in parliamentary committees and commissions;
2) development of draft laws and involvement of experts in the development of normative documents;
3) Personal meetings, contacts, negotiations;
4) using public relations methods to shape public opinion;
5) organization of a "pressure from the field" campaign (numerous letters and programs from voters addressed to deputies);
6) Preparation and wide dissemination of scientific (primarily sociological) research results;
7) organization of purposeful actions of "their people" within the authorities;
8) financing of election campaigns;
9) Direct bribery of public officials (illegal lobbying).
In accordance with the goals pursued by interest groups, lobbying can be divided into economic, social and socio-cultural. Based on the areas of activity, a distinction is made between sectoral and regional lobbying. Depending on the objects of lobbying, parliamentary, presidential, and governmental lobbying is distinguished. In relation to the political system, lobbying is classified as external (pressure is exerted on the authorities from outside) and internal (representatives of interested groups - members of parliament, members of the government, the president's entourage, the president - are "inscribed" in political institutions).
The most powerful of the economic and political pressure groups are financial and industrial groups with direct access to the Government and strong media and communications. An important channel of their interaction with the Government and pressure on it is that, with a chronic budget deficit, its revenue items are to a large extent accounted for by allocations from financial and industrial groups.