The Maltese consumers' union : a case study in pressure group action

Abstract

This study aims ta examine haw various factors may have influenced the performance of the Maltese Consumers' Union since its set up in 1982. Three sources of influence are examined:- the intrinsic nature of the Union; the Maltese environmental parameters; and the strategy and tactics used by the Union itself. A survey was carried out ta gain an understanding of the perceptions and expectations of :Maltese consumers. The findings indicate that :Maltese consumers are primarily concerned about price and that the prime role they attribute to a consumer organization is that of price controller. From this study it emerges that, although role-based, the Consumers' Union is a value-oriented pressure group and that effectively its only potential source of strength is mass membership.