The Intersection

If you are in Washington, chances are that you or your organization has been part of, is part of, or is considering joining an advocacy coalition – those single-issue, ad-hoc, typically industry-based groups with friendly-sounding names like “Coalition for Fairness,” “Partnership to Protect Families” or “Americans for Things that Sound Wonderful.” Behind these coalitions reside companies, trade associations, nonprofits or even other coalitions who have built alliances with like-minded organizations.

As businesses grow and diversify over time, it is increasingly challenging for companies to find goal congruence within their own industries when it comes to public policy. This may at least partially explain why a 2008 study by the Foundation for Public Affairs found that nearly half of all companies said they have increased their reliance on coalitions in the preceding three years – with only three percent reporting less reliance on coalitions. At the same time, only 38 percent of firms reported increasing their reliance on trade associations.

Major policy victories in Congress and with regulators have shown that if companies and individuals band together for a cause, they can speak with a much louder voice. But whether that collective voice is best served by an ad-hoc coalition is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Coalitions are not for everyone. Organizations must take into consideration a number of factors to determine whether joining a coalition is an effective strategy.

Organizational Effectiveness as a Coalition Member

Before forming or joining a coalition, any organization must ask, …