CONSULTATION
Key findings
Does societal consultation play a role in the policy-making process?
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Scores and methodology
ConsultationKey findings: Societal consultation
Each 
represents an individual country and is positioned on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best). Position cursor over to see scores for individual countries.
Click country name in list or text for details.
represents an individual country and is positioned on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best). Position cursor over to see scores for individual countries.Click country name in list or text for details.
Score distribution
10
1
10
8.7
3
8.7
8.7
8.7
8.7
8.7
8.7
8.7
Countries in this top group typically involve economic and social groups closely in the policy-making process, either formally or informally.
Several states (Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden) have traditional corporatist models that are now fading or undergoing change.
Governments in Ireland, Luxembourg and Norway conduct regular tripartite discussions with trade unions and business groups. Finland and Norway are both strongly consensual political systems, while the Netherlands has institutionalized many interest group discussion mechanisms.
Consultation happens informally, but frequently, in the United States.
Several states (Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden) have traditional corporatist models that are now fading or undergoing change.
Governments in Ireland, Luxembourg and Norway conduct regular tripartite discussions with trade unions and business groups. Finland and Norway are both strongly consensual political systems, while the Netherlands has institutionalized many interest group discussion mechanisms.
Consultation happens informally, but frequently, in the United States.
7.4
11
7.4
6.1
13
6.1
6.1
6.1
6.1
6.1
4.9
19
4.9
4.9
4.9
In this middle group, consultation is common, but ideological positions often bias governments toward specific social groups. In several, the intensity of outreach is inconsistent.
In a number of countries, the left-right political divide, or historic connections, has privileged some social or economic groups over others (New Zealand, Spain, Japan, Australia, Austria, Slovakia). However, this bias has recently lessened in several states (New Zealand, Spain, Japan).
Consultation is inconsistent or ad-hoc in Italy and Germany, while outreach in the United Kingdom and Belgium is energetic, but often fails to win acceptance for government policies.
Canadian groups complain that their frequent policy input has little real effect. Czech governments work closely with business and labor groups, but these organizations have little wider public influence.
In a number of countries, the left-right political divide, or historic connections, has privileged some social or economic groups over others (New Zealand, Spain, Japan, Australia, Austria, Slovakia). However, this bias has recently lessened in several states (New Zealand, Spain, Japan).
Consultation is inconsistent or ad-hoc in Italy and Germany, while outreach in the United Kingdom and Belgium is energetic, but often fails to win acceptance for government policies.
Canadian groups complain that their frequent policy input has little real effect. Czech governments work closely with business and labor groups, but these organizations have little wider public influence.
3.6
23
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
2.3
29
1.0
30
In this bottom group, governments' dialogue with social groups is inconsistent, ineffective or aimed primarily at winning support rather than gaining information.
In several states, the influence of social groups is low, or few are consulted (Hungary, France, Turkey, Poland). Serious consultation in Greece is reserved largely for major policy changes.
Mexico and Portugal concentrate their efforts on winning support for government policies. South Korea's government tried to increase social groups' influence, but failed to correspondingly broaden its support.
In several states, the influence of social groups is low, or few are consulted (Hungary, France, Turkey, Poland). Serious consultation in Greece is reserved largely for major policy changes.
Mexico and Portugal concentrate their efforts on winning support for government policies. South Korea's government tried to increase social groups' influence, but failed to correspondingly broaden its support.
Rationale
For policies to be successful, it can be critical for governments to consult with economic and social actors in the course of policy preparation.
Successful consultation is conceived here as an exchange of views and information that allows policymakers to gauge support for their proposals, and which helps persuade economic and social actors to support government policy.