7 - Government Relations

Question 1

What is included in public affairs?

Answer 1

• Government relations
• Media communications
• Issue management
• Corporate and social responsibility
• Strategic communications advice

Question 2

Aim of public affairs?

Answer 2

• Influence public policy
• Build and maintain a strong reputation
• Find common ground w/ stakeholders

Question 3

Define public affairs

Answer 3

An organization’s efforts to monitor its environment including its relationships w/ external stakeholders and activities that contribute to policy development

Question 4

Define government relations

Answer 4

Direct interaction w/ government officials

Question 5

What are the 5 keys to effective government relations?

Answer 5

1. No one delivers a message like you can
2. Understand your brand and promote it
3. Identify your priorities and stick to them
4. Understand your environment
5. Establish relationships before making an “ask”

Question 6

Why is government relations needed?

Answer 6

• Impact on business operations
• Impact on functional environment
• Better understanding of government policies
• Maintenance of trust and transparency

Question 7

What are characteristics of good government relationships?

Answer 7

• Helps in protecting the organization’s interests
• Helps in having a voice in what legislation is enacted
• Play a part in determining government fiscal policies

Question 8

What are characteristics of bad government relationships?

Answer 8

• Organizational goals can’t be achieved
• No influence on legislations that affect the organization
• Organization becomes a spectator rather than a participant in forming of government policies

Question 9

Define advocacy

Answer 9

An activity by an individual or group which aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions

Question 10

Examples of advocacy

Answer 10

• Media campaigns
• Public speaking
• Commissioning and publishing research

Question 11

Define fiduciary duty

Answer 11

• Obligation under law to serve the organization w/ common loyalty
• Act entirely for the organization they serve and subvert any personal interest or that of another group

Question 12

Define due diligence

Answer 12

• Obligation to know organization
• Maintain organization’s mission
• Ensure, develop, and conserve the organization’s resources