(Dreamstime, 2015)

Robert Cialdini is a world authority on the study of influence.  In his book ‘Influence – the Psychology of Persuasion’ Cialdini (2004) outlines the six core principles of persuasion or why people comply with requests (Influence at work, 2015).

The first principle is Reciprocation, Cialdini explains “The rule says that we should try to repay, in kind, what another person has provided us.” (Influence at Work, 2015).  As way of example, if a Christmas card or gift is received from another, there is an automatic impulsion to send them a card or gift of equal value. (Cialdini, 2004)

When it comes to political party donations and their power to influence there are two questions to consider.  Is the donor providing funds for what they are receiving or are they using the psychological law of reciprocity to leverage the party for what they want?

Foreign Government’s interests in Australian politics has one agenda only, to gain favour from the Australian Government by giving to a political party or an individual within the party.

Understanding the law of reciprocity clarifies that this type of persuasion can only be seen as a form of passive bribery, a corrupt practice in democratic society.

Scientific research in support of Cialdini’s (Cialdini, 2008) priniples shows us that the individual may not consciously control their reaction and behaviour in reciprocation.    Unconsciously the receiver is placed in an compromising position where reason and logic may not prevent a behavior compelling them to give back.

The only way to prevent politicians and political parties falling prey to this form of bribery and coercion is to remove the source that compels reciprocation.  Banning donations from International Governments, Unions, Lobby Groups and Corporations is the only way to protect our democracy.

Labour, Front Bencher, Sam Dastyari last week resigned his position after receiving an inappropriate payment from an organization linked to the Chinese Government.  The Sydney Morning Herald’s, Peter Hatcher (2016) reported,

“The Sam Dastyari affair is merely, for most, a confirmation of how it works. And of how cheaply influence can be bought.” (Hatcher, 2016)

Further supporting the notion to ban all foreign, union and corporate donations in Australian Federal politics.

Reference

Cialdini, R. B., 2004. Influence – The Psychology of Persuasion. Revised ed. New Yok: Harper Collins.

Cialdini, R. B., 2008. Influence, the Science and Practice. Fifth ed. New York : Harper Collins.

Dreamstime, 2015. Santa Claus Stock Photos. [Online]
Available at: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/santa-claus-christmas-card-9728144.jpg
[Accessed 11 September 2016].

Hatcher, P., 2016. The Sam Dastyari affair confirms what many voters think. [Online]
Available at: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/the-sam-dastyari-affair-confirms-what-many-voters-think-20160909-grd06v.html
[Accessed 11 September 2016].

Influence at Work , 2015. Dr. Cialdini’s Biography. [Online]
Available at: https://www.influenceatwork.com/robert-cialdini-phd/biography/
[Accessed 11 September 2016].