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Corporate Political Strategizing in the European Union during the 2007–10 Recession: An Exploratory Study

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  • Andrew Barron

    (Department of Management, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0GQ, Scotland)

  • Peter Hultén

    (Hull Business School, The University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU1 7RX, England)

Abstract

Using original data collected from a survey of Brussels-based Government Affairs Managers (GAMs) in May and June 2010, we explore the political actions of firms in the European Union during the 2007–10 financial crisis. Findings suggest that the financial constraints imposed by the crisis had a significant impact on whether GAMs entered into short-term or long-term relationships with policy makers and whether they engaged in individual or collective action. Significant crosscountry differences were also observed between the political objectives pursued by firms, their propensity to engage in collective political action, and the tactics they use to influence policy makers. Taken together, these findings challenge institutional explanations of EU lobbying, which suggest that the EU system of policy making provides powerful incentives for firms to adopt specific lobbying behaviours in order to gain a seat at the EU policy-making table.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Barron & Peter Hultén, 2011. "Corporate Political Strategizing in the European Union during the 2007–10 Recession: An Exploratory Study," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 29(5), pages 783-801, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:29:y:2011:i:5:p:783-801
    DOI: 10.1068/c10165b
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    References listed on IDEAS

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