E-lobbying
The term e-lobbying (sometimes also called eLobbying ) encompasses both the representation of political interests directly via electronic media - primarily via the Internet - and the significant support for traditional lobbying (→ lobbying ) with information technology. The term cyber lobbying is often used as a synonym . In general, lobbying refers to influencing government agencies in legislative or spending policy according to their own issues or goals. Lobbyists can organize themselves in institutions such as associations, chambers or large corporations or in temporary, flexible networks. The latter has gained significantly in importance due to the increased use of the Internet for lobbying work.
E-lobbying on the Internet
The electronic representation of interests for the acquisition of supporters and support ( fundraising ) via the Internet is primarily used by its own Internet presences and e-mail campaigns. Podcasts and the placement of short (video) messages on popular community platforms are also widespread , through which they can be distributed virally (→ viral marketing ) by recommending them to viewers or users . The effect of fast, limitless dissemination, which is characteristic of successful campaigns via the Internet, enables even smaller groups that are not the focus of traditional media to generate attention for their topics and positions within a short period of time (→ Agenda Setting , → “Censorship” campaign of the Pirate Party Germany ) . Public relations is generally one of the most important areas of activity for lobbyists.
The dissemination of political positions on publicly accessible platforms is also an option for participation in political opinion processes (→ e-democracy ).
IT-supported lobbying
Information systematically recorded and processed via the target groups enables more targeted and thus effective planning and implementation of conventional lobbying measures such as personal discussions, (political) events or the creation and placement of political positions (position papers) in written form. Electronic address, contact and campaign management systems are an important tool for this ( cf. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in political work also Citizen Relationship Management ).
literature
- Andrew Chadwick, Philip N. Howard (Eds.): Routledge handbook of Internet politics. Routledge, New York 2009.
- Hendrik Heuermann / Ulrike Reinhard (eds.): REBOOT_D - DIGITALE DEMOKRATIE - Alles auf Anfang , whois Verlags- & Vertriebsgesellschaft, Neckarhausen 2009 ( online ).
- David Griffin, Philippa Trevorrow, Edward F. Halpin: Developments in e-government: a critical analysis , IOS Press, Amsterdam 2007.
- Martha McCaughey, Michael D. Ayers: Cyberactivism: online activism in theory and practice. Routledge, New York 2003.
- Thomas Klauß: E-lobbying - backstage. In: Verbändereport 02/2010, Bonn, p. 33 ff. ( Abstract online ).
Web links
- Lecture E * Lobbying: Professor Hendrik Speck, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, March 31, 2009
- e-Lobbying: Marketing e-Learning to the Legislature
- Didier Heiderich: Influence sur Internet. Perceptions et mécanismes d'influence sur Internet dans la société de l'urgence (PDF; 755 kB)