| dc.description.abstract | The public affairs sector has grown a lot in the past years. This research revolves around the extent to which lobby professionals perceive a need to evolve the concept of transparency in the Dutch lobby sector. To both counter the negative connotation of citizens, as well as increase its legitimacy. It is argued that the relation between the latter and transparency can be found in societal interest representation. The negative connotation is a phenomenon that is known by lobbyists, and can arguably be countered by media involvement, education, or a transparency register for the policy makers. Transparency as a concept can be perceived as a minimum requirement, as argued by inhouse lobbyists, while consultant lobbyists tend to argue towards a maximum as to how transparent one could be. More research could be conducted with regard to sectoral differences in perception of inhouse lobbyists, or could potentially focus on factors such as age when researching developments and possible ways of implementing transparency in practice. | |
