Interest Groups by Olson ( Week 15)

“Notice that the interests that all of these diverse types of organizations are expected to further are for the most part common interests: the union members' common interest in higher wages, the farmers' common interest in favorable legislation, the cartel members' common interest in higher prices, the stockholders' common interest in higher dividends and stock prices, the citizens' common interest in good government. It is not an accident that the diverse types of organizations listed are all supposed to work primarily for the common interests of their members” by Olson

        Groups interest are organizations with the same purpose and interest. Olson defines that groups interest seek for their own benefits and privileges. This passage suggests that citizens look for their own interest of having a good government who provides benefits. Also, big companies seek to benefit their own member from citizens. Every organization seeks a common interest of money. It can also be related to humans; every person has a common interest of getting money. There’s not organization without an interest. Organizations use strategies to accomplish the interest of their members.  Every member in an organization has the same interest. We can see this when companies promote their products trying to call citizens’ attention. This is seen a lot in politics when candidates give their speeches and promises to convince voters.

I chose this passage because the concept of group interest helps me identify how business work today. All organizations and people seek their own benefits. Organizations analyze how they can get what they want from citizens. Also, citizens want better opportunities, jobs, money and benefits from the government.  I can visualize this concept from two different point of views.  On one hand, it’s good because it promotes unity and help us achieve our goals. It makes me understand that a group of people with the same idea and purpose can achieve whatever they want. On the other hand, it helps me realize that we’re living in an egoistic society where everyone seeks for their own interest and advantage. Companies seek to get money from citizens and citizens seek better job opportunities and get money as well. This is reality we are living in a world in which everyone seeks their own goal and interest no matter what.