Looking for ‘Voice’ in Business and Citizen Groups: Who’s Being Heard?

Why do some associations provide members with an effective voice whereas others appear to have internal democracy in name only? We theoretically combine population ecology Hirschman’s strategic response model. This leads us hypothesize that dense, competitive organizational environments, the alternatives available make it likely dissatisfied respond exit rather than voice. However, low-dense, monopoly-like situations demand and receive options. further particular sets of incentives firms individuals as moderates this effect. assess our argument on basis Comparative Interest Group elite survey among interest group leaders five European countries at EU level. control for level professionalization use country dummies identify country-level differences. find strong empirical support theoretical argument. The contribution article is connect macro-level population-level factors micro-level intra-organizational processes specifies nature link between interests society those represented system.