Operating factor 4: Special interest group

Source: Virginia Public Access Project (2016)

Special interest groups

• Special interest groups are groups of people who attempt to influence or persuade a business to adopt particular policies or procedures

• In the operating environment, there are 4 main types of special interest groups: Specific issue groups, business associations, unions and consumer groups.
  

Special interest group	Their interest	Effect on business planning	Example
Specific issue groups	One specific area in the current society: youth employment, anti-globalisation... The environment is the most common area: 'environmental lobby group' promotes environmental issues to the public, government and businesses.	More businesses have to undertake environmental impact studies and implement sustainability strategies, such as using renewable resources, reduce levels of waste...	Australian Conservation Foundation (AFC): tackling climate change and preserving Australia's rich biodiversity. Cancer Council: enhances non-smoking workplaces to protect the health of employees.
Business Association	Membership organisation engaged in supporting businesses via training programs and promoting the business interests of its members to the public and government.	Businesses should research which association best suits their needs and join that association.	Family Business Australia (FBA) represents and promotes family-owned Australian businesses, providing accredited advisers to assist businesses in planning and growing.
Unions	Represent workers and act on their behalf to negotiate with businesses on worker-related issues (i.g. wages, working conditions...)	Business should define the prominent unions in its industry and consult with the relevant union to ensure that planning decisions of the business align with the union’s expectations	In construction industry, Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) pushes building companies to provide adequate insurance, WorkCover and superannuation for construction workers.
Consumer group	Monitor a business's performance regarding its product safety, packaging, pricing and advertising	Adjust its planning in product manufacturing to ensure high-quality products for consumption.	Choice: a common reference point for consumers wishing to purchase better, safer and fairer products. Choice's report directly impact the sales of businesses mentioned.