Thesis on power in politics wins Lorissa top Marketing award

Public relations honours graduate Lorissa Kelly’s research project on the influence of stakeholders on political decision-making has won the top honours prize from Curtin University of Technology’s School of Marketing.

It is the first time in four years that the Thomson Learning Best Marketing Honours Graduate has been awarded to a public relations student, with a marketing student winning the prize each year since 2004.

The title of Lorissa’s honours thesis is ‘Stakeholders, Politics and Power: Towards an Understanding of Stakeholder Identification and Salience in Government'.  Her research involved in-depth interviews with 23 Western Australian politicians and political advisors to establish the groups and individuals that really influence politicians.

Lorissa said her research produced some interesting results.

“The study found that while participants were quick to assert that they listened to their electorate, the overwhelming influence of lobbyists and financial interests were clearly apparent,” Lorissa said.

“The research found that power, not legitimacy is a key driver of those who influence political decision making, a hypothesis confirmed by recent events at Corruption and Crime Commission hearings, which have claimed the scalps of three government ministers.”

Lorissa was supervised by Dr Nigel de Bussy, a senior lecturer in the School of Marketing, who said she was an outstanding honours student.

“Lorissa’s research project took an extremely topical look at the role of stakeholders in the political process in Western Australia,” Dr de Bussy said.

“She interviewed a cross-section of some of the most influential decision makers in the State.  The CCC enquiry was in full swing at the time, adding extra spice to the relevance of her findings.”

Lorissa currently works at the Department of Industry and Resources as a project officer, where she is involved in developing policy and strategic initiatives.

She said her education at Curtin Business School, particularly the School of Marketing, has held her in good stead for the workforce.

"The School of Marketing has supported me in every possible way throughout my degree with a mix of great lecturers, support networks and resources.

"I know that I can take my Commerce degree anywhere in the world and be recognised as a Curtin Business School graduate". 

Lorissa lives in Bentley and attended St Norbert College in Queens Park. She was a recipient of the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship, Curtin’s most prestigious academic scholarship, in 2003.

Modified: 18 May 2007

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