The “new” model of influence graph above was developed a few years back by Simon Titley, a seasoned and often outspoken Public Affairs professional who has long called for PA professionals on the corporate side to take a leaf out of the NGO manual. Namely, to campaign for long-term change rather than engage in short-term policy nitty-gritty only: there must be room for both.
In short, the diagram highlights that:
- We’ve shifted from an age where power-brokers could be counted on one hand (politicians, big business and media) to one where smaller organisations and often even individuals can yield political clout. This has been accelerated immensely due to the web.
- In parallel, arguments used to gain political clout have developed from being highly rational (economic, scientific; easily measureable) to being emotional, or irrational even, often dictated by beliefs that are strong yet not so easily measureable, say, environmental protection.
I’ve used the graph in presentations for years and it’s frequently given rise to fierce nodding and other such indications of agreement – thanks Simon.
Steffen Moller 
The graph is excellent. I think it sums up many of the things Caroline mentioned in the podcast about PA in twenty years; the demand for more direct representation and the importance of grassroots lobbying over traditional lobbying. I guess political power is moving to the streets. I will definitely use that as a reference in the future.