Higher education association lobbying: grassroots outreach as a signal of constituent opinion

This study sought to gain a better understanding of lobbying by the major DC-based higher education associations. To understand this phenomenon, this study looked at the lobbying tactics used by the associations and how they decide on what lobbying tactics to use. A qualitative, multiple case study approach was used with a sample comprised of association representatives and Congressional staffers. Overall, associations used a variety of tactics, but the for-profit association used more tactics and used all tactics more intensely compared to the non- profit associations. Particular focus was given to the tactic of membership mobilization using a signaling theory framework. Signaling theory explained why membership mobilization is an effective tactic because it signals to legislators that constituents care about an issue and could cause re-election consequences.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Ed Organization and Leadership

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Bennett, Stacy

Contributors dc:contributor

• Delaney, Jennifer A.
• Baber, Lorenzo D.
• Ikenberry, Stanley O.
• Trent, William T.

• higher education lobbying
• lobbying tactics
• membership mobilization
• signaling theory, grassroots

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Stacy Bennett

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34402

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/34402