Belief Congruence between Interest-Group Leaders and Members: An Empirical Analysis of Three Theories and a Suggested Synthesis

In: The journal of politics: JOP, Band 52, Heft 3, S. 914-935

Abstract

An evaluation of three theories of internal interest-group dynamics that vary in their predictions concerning the degree of belief congruence between group leaders & members. Exchange theory expects to find substantial congruence, except when selective incentives are important. Commitment theory argues that leaders should be more extreme in their views than ordinary members, while the moderating elite approach suggests they should be less extreme. Questionnaire survey data obtained at 2 times from leaders & members of an environmental & an economic interest group in Lake Tahoe, Calif (N = 518 & 538, respectively), provide some support for exchange theory, even more support for commitment theory, & no support for the moderating elites approach. A synthesis involving elements of the supported theories & additional factors, eg, level of conflict in the policy subsystem, is suggested. 4 Tables, 75 References. Adapted from the source document.