ECONOMIC LIBERALIZATION, POLITICAL PLURALISM AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Trends toward economic liberalization and political pluralism in devel oping countries would seem to presage a more active political and econ omic role for business associations. The evidence suggests, however, t hat business associations are unlikely to be such malleable instrument s for the promotion of the private sector and of political pluralism a s one might initially expect. They often act more in the interests of their own staff than in those of members. The potential for ''unproduc tive'' rivalry and conflict between competing associations is high. Th e more effective associations are those not financially dependent prim arily on membership fees.