This course is designed for future leaders and influencers who will operate within both private and public sectors, preparing participants to understand and responsibly manage the power of influence. The focus extends beyond the basics of lobbying to emphasise the ethical responsibilities of engaging with public authorities and contributing positively to society. By the end, participants have developed a balanced perspective on lobbying, seeing it not merely as a tool for advancing private interests but as a potential vehicle for the public good when practised transparently and fairly.
Context
Stephen Boucher taught for 7 years a Master’s level course on interest representation at the prestigious Solvay School of Business & Management. Through this half-year interactive course, he not only introduced the students to key concepts and methodologies related to the topic, but also coached all 70-80 students each year to undertake their own real-life advocacy campaigns over the course of the semester.
Course objectives
Participants:
- Develop a foundational understanding of democratic principles: Engage deeply with the mechanisms of democratic debate and fair representation, grounded in real-life application rather than mere theory. Through readings, presentations, and direct conversations with professionals, participants gain insights into how European and national institutions operate and interact with lobbyists.
- Cultivate critical thinking: Learn to assess and question current systems, identifying where lobbying aligns with the public interest and where it may detract from it. This course encourages a sophisticated perspective on when and how lobbying can responsibly influence policy.
- Understand core lobbying strategies: Though not focused on basic lobbying tactics, this course introduces the principles of strategic lobbying, including campaign planning, goal setting, and performance metrics, empowering participants to develop and execute campaigns that are both effective and ethically sound.
Practical Skills
- Critical analysis and questioning: Participants learn to evaluate institutional frameworks, understand the motivations behind influence activities, and choose the right channels and tools to conduct or regulate lobbying campaigns.
- Collaborative teamwork: Through group assignments, participants practise efficient teamwork and strategic thinking, managing time and resources effectively to bring value to their learning experience.
- Campaign strategy development: Key principles of lobbying campaigns are explored, from defining objectives and outcomes to analysing the context and crafting strategies to achieve desired results.
Course Format
The course consists of seven 3-hour sessions, each divided into three segments:
- Student-led presentations on assigned topics and discussions of relevant readings and current events.
- Key concept overviews to provide theoretical grounding.
- Engagement with professionals for insights into real-world lobbying practices.
The final class showcases individual lobbying campaigns developed by participants, allowing them to apply and present their learning outcomes.
Institution
Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (Academia)
Territory
Brussels (Belgium)
