The Role of Beneficiary Groups in Public Policy-Making Process (A Case Study by Institute of Sociology of Iran) Kazemi Ali*, Hashemi Roya**, Ayyoubloo Fatemeh Farhadi***, Hashemi Mahnaz**** *Master of MBA, Department of Management, Zarghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zarghan, Iran **Master of Public Management, Department of Management, Dehaghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dehaghan, Iran ***Master of Public Management, Management Department, Payam e Noor University, I.R of Iran ****M.A Student of Public Management, Department of Management, Dehaghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dehaghan, Iran Online published on 11 June, 2014. Abstract Governments are mostly responsible for general policy-making process. While influential groups do not directly participate in seizing the power to implement policies and are left out of power cycle, yet they impact the policy-making process exerting pressure upon it. It is therefore the objective of this study to examine the role and importance of influential groups (Institute of Sociologists) in the public policy-making process. From the standpoint of objective, the present study is of an applied type and from the viewpoint of method is a type of research inclined towards being a survey. The statistical population of this study include the university section of the Institute of Sociology of Iran amounting to 724 individuals. By making use of Morgan's Table, a statistical sample of 255 individuals was obtained. A verified questionnaire with its reliability and validity confirmed, was also used by the present study. Following the analysis of data, it was determined that the Institute of Sociology of Iran impact the country's public policy-making process by its elite and famous leaders, knowledge, electoral challenges, instigating and communicating with the public and other groups. It also became clear that the present laws prevent the Institute of Sociologists from impacting the process of public policy-making process. Top Keywords Group, Policy-Making, Influence, Beneficiary Groups, Institute of Sociology. Top |