The Hierarchical Structure of Lobbying Tactics

Abstract

Interest groups combine various lobbying tactics. While some tactics may be used on one level, other tactics may be used additionally to enhance their claimson another higher level. In this paper, I attempt to clarify such a hierarchical structure of lobbying tactics. My findings are based on Japan Interest Group Study II data.
  First, for sector groups and policy beneficiary groups close to the LDP government, lobbying tactics in terms of their targets in sequence are: 1) ministries and agencies; 2) the mass media; 3) the LDP or public assemblies. For value promotion groups, the sequence of lobbying is: 1) public assemblies; 2) the DPJ or mass media; 3) the mass media or DPJ; 4) ministries and agencies.
  Second, interest groups tend to upgrade the level of lobbying when conflicts between interest groups exist or elite actors are accessible.
  Third, the interest groups that lobby at the higher level tend to influence policy - making. But the sector groups and policy beneficiary groups that lobby the mass media in addition to ministries and agencies tend to have as much influence. The value promotion groups that use all the tactics including lobbying ministries and agencies also tend to influence policy - making.