Problem
Monopolization by interest groups in development of community priorities
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Unreasonable exercise of influence by lobbyistsOverriding interests of lobby groups
Nature:
Global participation is often lost when interest groups determine the priorities for the future, rather than allowing grass roots expression of concern to point to the priorities. When such decisions are monopolized by a few leaders, trust is undermined and so, therefore, is the participation of the community in acting out the decisions.
Incidence:
Local people have more difficulty in having their case heard with central authority than do powerful lobbies with the ear of those in authority. An example is evident in areas where hunting or shooting of game is prevalent. The rights of local people often go unheeded, while sportsmen have no difficulty in getting their needs attended to by regional or national authorities to whom local residents have difficulty in gaining access.
A UK initiative to tackle land contamination flopped when the government reversed a radical decision taken in 1990 to compile registers of contaminated land. The plan was passed by parliament but withdrawn after lobbying by business, which said that it would harm property markets.
Broader Problems:
Undue political pressureWidespread community factionalismVulnerability of government to lobbyingIncomplete utilization of external relationsUnethical practices of philanthropic organizationsLack of participation from local communities in democratic processes Narrower Problems:
Lack of community voiceBlocked minority opinionNarrow context for counselLimited and fragmented outlook of civic minded groupsOver-reliance on economic interest groups by policy agencies Aggravates:
Government complacencyInadequate grass-roots initiativeInaccessibility of health servicesReinforcement of inappropriate development by privileged classesDeveloping country failure to exercise leverage on international bodies Subject(s):
Commerce → Conditions of tradeCommunication → Influencing
Development → Development
Society → Communities
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
13.05.2019 – 18:10 CEST