Corporate Political Strategy

What are the key arguments SUPPORTING political involvement by business?

- A pluralistic system invites many participants - Economic stakes are high for firms - Business counterbalances other social interests - Business is a vital stakeholder of government

What are the key arguments AGAINST political involvement by business?

- Managers are not qualified to engage in political debate - Business is too big, too powerful-an elephant dancing among chickens - Business is too selfish to care about the common good - Business risks its credibility by engaging in partisan politics

Super PAC (Political Action Committee)

An organization that raises and spends money focusing on political issues but is not directly affiliated with any political campaign; also called an independent expenditure-only committee.

Dark Money

Political contributions made to tax-exempt organizations that are not required to report the donor's name and size of contribution to the Federal Election Commission.

trade association

a coalition of companies in the same or related industries seeking to coordinate their economic or political power to further their agenda

advocacy advertising

a political tool used by companies to promote their viewpoint through the media

economic leverage

a political tool where a business uses its economic power to threaten to relocate its operations unless a desired political action is taken

political action committee (PAC)

an independently incorporated organization that can solicit contribution and then channels those funds to candidates seeking political office

lobbying

the act of trying to directly shape or influence a government official's understanding and position on a public policy issue

revolving door

the circulation of individuals between business and government positions

Corporate Political Strategy

those activities taken by an organization to acquire, develop, and use power to achieve a political advantage