Another very important factor which determines the success or failure of pressure groups is whether or not they hold a strategic position in society. Whether or not a pressure group is able to disturb public order is very important. Governments will have greater respect for a pressure group which- if unhappy- could create chaos by, for example, going on strike. The NUT (national union of teachers) for example is able to disturb the society by preventing teachers to attended classes; their demands, therefore, will be dealt with in a more appropriate way. The pressure group Fathers For Justice (F4U) on the other hand, does not benefit from a strategic position; its demands are therefore aired by the government.
But of course, other factors such as media attention can alter the way the government looks at a pressure group such as F4U.
One other main factor determining the success of pressure groups is public opinion towards pressure groups. If people have affection for a pressure group and support their cause, the pressure group will be more successful in pushing forward its agenda, and vice versa. The union for nurses is an example of this case. The condition in which nurses work and the way their occupation is viewed, can bring up public support when nurses need it.
Finance is another important factor which can cause the success or failure of a pressure group. Money is widely known to be power. It is no exception for pressure groups. Groups can often use their wealth in order to influence political parties and those in power to pursue their aim. Bernie Eckelston, the formula one tycoon, is an example of how money can help to achieve one’s desires. Their were many speculations for example, that the million pound funding of the Labour party by Bernie Eckelston had great part in delaying the ban of Tobacco advertisement in Formula one until 2006.
Size of pressure groups is also an important factor. More members (bigger size of pressure group) can not necessarily determine the success of a pressure group. Although having more members shows greater representation, but it often happens that one-member campaigns- like Jamie Oliver’s campaign for healthier school meals- are more effective than campaigns ran and supported by tens of thousands of people- such as the anti Iraq war campaigns which had no result.
It always helps to have a well known person on board of campaigns. Popular celebrities can often guarantee the success of pressure groups. Celebrities attract media attention and public awareness and this can be very beneficial for pressure groups. Make poverty history which was ran by Bono for example, ended in great success.
Pressure groups should put great thought on when to carry out their campaigns. Campaigns which are held close to election times could face much greater success than usual. Politicians would like to gain the support of as many people as they could possibly manage, and would therefore try to fulfil the demands of the campaigning pressure groups.
Organisation also has great role in determining the success or failure of a pressure group. Pressure groups should have reliable sources for their finance, a suitable network for recruiting members and accurate plans which would help them pursue their goals. Amnesty International is a great example of a well organised pressure group. They have 1.8 million members in 170 countries and have managed to carry many of their campaigns with great success in many of these countries. It is clear, that suitable organisation is required to have such achievements.
Whether or not a pressure group faces fierce opposition through government and/or other pressure groups and whether or not there is a clash of interests is a also an important factor in determining the success or failure of a pressure group. The anti-smoking lobby for example faces opposition by big Tobacco companies and it is therefore more difficult for them to achieve their aims.
