Question

What is meant by "Area of activity" of pressure groups

Answer 1

A pressure group is an organisation formed by people with a shared goal who put pressure on thepublic, governments and businesses with a view to achieving that goal.

Answer 2

PRESSURE GROUPS
A pressure group is an organisation formed by people with a shared goal who put pressure on thepublic, governments and businesses with a view to achieving that goal.The definition above encompasses a wide range of different organisations. Not only âÂÂtraditionalâÂÂ pressure groups such as Greenpeace, but also trade associations such asthe National FarmersâÂÂ Union. The bulk of this article deals with groups which try to changethe actions of businesses. By contrast, trade associations work to promote the interests of theirbusiness members.Examples of pressure groups and their main areas of activityNAME AREA OF ACTIVITY Greenpeace EnvironmentFriends of the Earth EnvironmentSurfers Against Sewage Beach pollutionTrade unions Employee rightsConfederation of British Industry (CBI) EmployersâÂÂ interests ConsumersâÂÂ AssociationConsumer protection Worldwide Fund for Nature Animal protection Jubilee 2000 Debt forgiveness in less developed countries Chambers of Commerce Local businessinterests Amnesty International Human rightsPressure group activity is an important issue in Business Studies because of the effect it can have ona companyâÂÂs strategy or image. For example, Nestle was pushing hard to develop sales of baby milk powder in less developed countries. Many pressure groups criticised Nestle for marketinga product that can become a dangerous chemical cocktail if mixed in unhygienic conditions.Pressure groups organised a worldwide consumer boycott against Nestle products. Similarconsumer action has hit Shell and Barclays Bank at other times.In order to achieve their aims, pressure groups have three main targets:Pressuring a company to change its policies.Imposing change by encouraging new laws to be passed by parliament.Encouraging the public to change its approach to consumption or disposal/pollution.Pressure group activity aimed at achieving changes in the law has two general areas of focus. First,the pressure group will attempt to persuade the government ministers who make the laws and theMembers of Parliament who vote them in. This process, of trying to influence those in power, isknown as lobbying.