THE DARK SIDE OF LOBBYING: EVALUATING THE UNDERMINED VALUES BY ASTROTURF LOBBYING AGAINST THE UNDERPINNINGS OF VIRTUE ETHICS
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2022-07-08
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en
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Abstract
Organisations are continuously searching for new ways to influence regulations and legislation in such a way that it becomes as beneficial as possible to their business model. An example of this is Airbnb using the lobbying strategy of astroturfing in which seemingly citizen initiatives are set up and supported.
The purpose of this research is to find out how ethical underpinnings are undermined by astroturf practices performed by Airbnb. This is explored through the following research question: How are values undermined by astroturfing from a virtue ethics point of view? The three contexts of virtue ethics create the opportunity to better understand why and how astroturfing is unethical.
To answer this research question, various research methods were applied. A document analysis, mainly of newspaper articles, and additional interviews with experts, journalists, watchdogs, and members of the communities were conducted. Data suggests that astroturfing is ethically problematic, given the divergence in goals that Airbnb and the hosts pursue in performing astroturfing, with the result that no virtuous structure can emerge.
Based on these results, it seems important to be transparent about which groups are supported by an organisation in achieving its goals. Recognizing these tactics allows outsiders to counter astroturf practices and not fall for them. Follow-up research could further explore on these recommendations to sharpen the viability of the concept of astroturfing.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen