Activist–Leader Relations and the Structure of Political Parties: ‘Exchange’ Models and Vote-Seeking Behaviour in Parties

Abstract

This article examines how party organization affects, and is itself affected by, the objectives pursued by parties in liberal democracies; it focuses on vote-seeking behaviour by parties. It argues that it is a mistake to model activist-leader relations in the past as having been primarily the product of particular kinds of 'exchanges' between leaders and activists in a party. Such models limit our understanding of intra-party relations in four important respects -by focusing exclusively on the idea of 'exchange' and not examining the role of 'gifts'; by not considering the role of solidary incentives; by omitting an analysis of loyalty; and by not taking account of the role of habit. However, the article also argues that 'exchange' is becoming now a far more significant element in intra-party relations and that this development will constrain party leaders and influence the goals pursued by parties. Greater reliance on exchange between leaders and activists may lead to parties becoming generally more policyseeking in their behaviour and also to their becoming less manageable than in the past.

New forms of political participation. Changing demands or changing opportunities to participate in political parties?

“…217-219). This points to the potentially essential failure of recent changes: it is unclear whether individualisation will be enough to give meaning to party membership and activism for those who are not primarily motivated by selective incentives and a political career (Ware, 1992;P. D. Webb, 2000).…”

The Check Is in the Mail: Interdistrict Funding Flows in Congressional Elections

“…Individuals donate out of party loyalty and a desire to enjoy solidarity with like-minded partisans at fundraising events (Brown, Powell, and Wilcox 1995;Ware 1992). Committed partisans are especially motivated "to contribute their money in close contests in order to maximize the number of legislators who support their political positions" (Francia et al 2003, 51;Wilhite and Theilmann 1989).…”

Elite–Activist Relationships In Political Parties: A Social Exchange Analysis of Canadian Parties

“…Most importantly, Ware (1992) criticises exchange frameworks as typically applied to political parties, thereby opening up the possibility of improving such frameworks. Ware argues that exchange frameworks have not been particularly important to understanding intraparty relationships, although they may become more important over time.…”