The Political Role and Influence of Business Organizations: A Communication

Although a wide range of scholars have generated an extensive literature on the topic, our understanding of the relationships between economic power and political influence in American democracy is “theory rich and data poor” (Arnold, 1982). Empirical data regarding business influence on public policy are limited and ambiguous. We still know relatively little about: (a) the communication strategies and tactics economic producers employ in the policy process, (b) whether or not their influence attempts produce “favorable” outcomes, and, if they do, (c) the circumstances or conditions most likely to yield such outcomes.