Introduction
Pressure groups can be very disruptive in interfering with development projects. An organization should never terminate the commencement of a project because of pressure groups since they are among the hurdles to be jumped over in order for the project to be a success.
The organization and government officials should consider seating in a round table and listen to views from different groups. This is because pressure groups are comprised of idlers who have been influenced by handouts to shout at the top of their lungs. The first thing is to identify the master mind of the pressure group and confront him. Arguments by activists are usually based on allegations and since they are not verified sitting back while they are campaigning will justify their allegations.
Tactics employed by pressure groups
According to Denhardt, Warnicke, and Andonaska (n.d), activists have uniform tactics and they normally use threats as blackmail to organizations. These threats include giving their publications to media houses and staging demonstrations against the activities of an organization. The last thing they do is file a case in a court of law against their target organization. But this is not their intention because there concern is centered from benefiting from the ransom paid out to them in order to stop their campaigns.
The proposed high speed railway will promote commerce because people and goods will reach their destinations within the specified time frame. The rail line will ease congestion in roads because most people will resort to using the electric trains because they are faster and cost effective compared to vehicles.
The activists should be informed that although some buildings will be destroyed to pave way for the construction of railway, the owners of those structures and any lands that lie on the path of the railway will be fully compensated before commencement of the project. Due notices should be given before demolitions take place to allow those affected to move out in good time.
The main aim of activists is to tap monetary funds paid out by the project developer and that’s why compensation should be directly be paid to the people affected by the project. It’s necessary to arrange a meeting with the affected community in order to inform them about the benefits of constructing this rail line. The organization should make sure it provides benefits to the community early enough. This will leave pressure groups weakened because they will not be able to obtain support from the community because there would be no more benefits to be pursued. This is because activists use these benefits to lure people to join them because they are aware no body can participate in a campaign for free.
Tactics used by the project developer to beat activists in their own game
Creating employment for local people
Cooke (2008) argues that by involving the affected community in dialogue, the developer of this kind of project will imply that the organization has the best interests of the community at heart. Highlighting on the possible benefits will open their minds which may cause some of them to support the initiative. Employing the media in clarifying the allegations made by pressure groups is important.
Absorbing some activists into the project
The organization should approach the members of the pressure group separately and lure them to cease from backing the pressure group. Dividing them will weaken their efforts. Leaving the group intact will accelerate their campaigns against the organization. Their press briefings can taint the name of the organization thus they should be disintegrated as much as possible. This can be done by absorbing some of them into the management of the project. The developer should only absorb the key leaders because the project can not accommodate all of them.
Construction of social amenities
The organization should address the needs of local community such as schools and medical facilities because by doing so the people who were previously incited by activists will once again gang up against them because they will be enlightened.
The organization should also incorporate the locals into the workforce of the project. This will make them appreciate the project as their own because they will be employed by the developer hence they will defend it when the need arises.
Capitalizing on the disadvantages of road transport
These measures will help the developer of this project to have an upper hand. Again when activists realize the financial potential of the developer is above the average ability they will back of because they know their chances are very narrow (Budge, 2004). The organization should involve the authorities in sensitizing the local communities about the importance of constructing this rail line. Others include religious leader and artists such as musicians because they are very influential. Free music concerts and road shows can be held to deviate from the demands of the pressure groups.
The project developer should explain that the railway is more reliable than road transport because there is no accumulation of traffic. In general the developer should capitalize on the advantages of railway to support the argument thus the organization should make sure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
References
Cooke, A., 2008. ”A Brief History of the Conservatives.” Conservative Research Department. Web.
Denhardt, R., Warnicke, M., & Andonoska, L., n.d. An Overview of Organization Theory and Behavior. The Foundation of Public Administration. Public Administration Review Washington.
Budge, I., 2004. New British Politics. Pearson Longman: London.