Abstract:
This case traces the establishment of the Massachusetts High Technology Council (MHTC). In 1977, a handful of chief executive officers of relatively small high-tech companies formed an independent lobbying group in response to their perception that state government was ignoring the needs of their fast-growing industry. They were particularly disturbed about the Commonwealth's high level of taxes. Not all of their colleagues shared their assessments of the impediments to economic growth; and even among those that did, not all favored the creation of yet another business group. Some also perceived that the MHTC founders were forging an overly aggressive and antagonistic approach to high tech's involvement with state government. The sequel examines the success of, and reactions to, the group's lobbying efforts, particularly in promoting a property tax cap referendum.
Learning Objective:
This case can be used with private sector groups to stimulate discussion of approaches to the political lobbying process, and with public sector groups to enhance understanding of how the private sector views government.
