Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper evaluates the information theory of interest group influence by examining the use of political and policy information by new technology and existing issue interest groups in Congressional hearings over an extended period of time (1985-2004). Previous literature has asserted that interest groups provide valuable policy information to members of Congress and that this information influences policymaking (i.e. Hansen 1991, Wright 1996). I argue that interest groups’ policy information influence is limited to when the issue area is new and complex (policy context) and when the political conditions favor policy information (political context). As part of a larger dissertation project, I examine biotechnology, computer technology, agriculture and chemical industry groups’ use of information over time using the ATLAS.ti 5.0 qualitative research software to code interest group oral testimonies in 182 Congressional hearings held during the 1985-2004 period. I find that new technology groups offer substantially more policy information than older issue groups while older issues groups offer more political information during Congressional hearings. In addition, I find that interest groups’ use of information in Congressional hearings is not fixed; interest groups adjust their informational lobbying strategies over time as policy and political circumstances change. My research will contribute to an increased understanding of when interest groups are influential, how interest groups adjust their information strategies in response to changing political and policy conditions as well as the role of information in Congressional hearings.