The lobby is a corridor. In the direct and figurative meaning

On TV - mostly in the politicalcontext - we often hear about the lobby. This word is used mainly in a negative sense, although in fact it has a variety of meanings. And not only political. Let's try to figure out what is behind this mysterious term. After all, we have to deal with it, and in some people it even turned into a curse.

Origin

The oldest versions of this word can be found inLatin. Initially, the so-called different extensions. Lobium means a gallery or an open corridor. In one version of the old German there is a word louba with a similar meaning. In addition, it can be translated as a "porch". But in modern Russian this term came from English. It is in the UK that the "lobby" is a name that has acquired both direct and portable meaning. If initially it was translated as "room", "corridor", then it was increasingly used as an analogue of representation of interests.

The direct meaning of the word "lobby"

In English, the term is stillIt is mainly used to designate parts of a building, such as an entrance hall or a foyer. In Russian it happens less often. Lobby is a word that, as a rule, is used to describe the territory of the hotel, directly adjacent to the reception desk. They meet and receive visitors, and that they are not bored, offer comfortable chairs, fresh press, soft drinks and snacks. Therefore, in such places there are often so-called lobby bars. They differ in the atmosphere that brings comfort. In addition, in modern multi-storey buildings there are so-called "lobby". These are different kinds of rooms and meeting rooms, where meetings are held and preliminary decisions are taken.

Political Lobby

This is an attempt to influence the laws and practicesstate. Probably, the expression "corridors of power", inspired the second meaning of the term. As different groups of people have their own interests, they try to defend them by influencing some persons capable of protecting these interests. Therefore, they try to penetrate these "corridors of power" and talk about what they need, why this organization, official or civil servant should pay attention to their problem. Thus, in this context, the lobby is the representation of interests. This is often done by advisers or consultants of certain persons who explain to legislators why it is necessary to take any actions or documents in favor of certain groups. More often, lobbying is done by special companies and civic activists meeting with parliamentarians or bureaucrats.

Methods of influence

As the modern state balancesbetween the interests of various groups, including corporate ones, then the application of the lobby is an activity that can have a formal, social character, or, on the contrary, be banned. There is even such a profession, which teaches how to interact with authorities. Interestingly, there are lobbying groups in Russia, but there is no official specialty of this kind. In Germany, such activity is regulated by a special law. But the lobby in the US is a very old occupation. Initially, it meant mechanisms of influence on legislators, but recently the focus of such groups of pushing interests is the Congress. Mostly in the US lobbying takes place on a professional level, huge money is being spent on this. Special companies defend the interests of various organizations, trade unions and corporations through political actions and even elections, often financing the candidate with the right positions.

Secrets of successful lobbying for the public

A variety of organizations, as a rule,use the promotion of their interests through the "corridors of power". In this there is nothing illegal or unacceptable, if such actions, of course, are not accompanied by bribery. Public lobby is an attempt to make protection and promotion of program objectives and interests of this group an important component in government policy. To do this, you should select people who know how to do this, put in their mouth the message that will work, and send them to those officials or parliamentarians on whom it depends. As in any activity, the initial step should be a strategic analysis of the situation. Experience shows that the most effective approaches to the government work when long-term ties with certain institutions or individuals are established, even if there are great differences in ideology. State officials can help public figures for various reasons. These can be personal views, a serious attitude towards international obligations or an interest in a positive image.