Abstract

Not only Italian scholars have (generally) poorly studied interest groups, but, when they did, they (almost) only analyzed trade unions (Cgil, Cisl, Uil) and employers associations (especially Confindustria). However, it is quite difficult to justify the substantial neglect that Italian political scientists set aside of banks association (Abi) and insurance enterprises association (Ania). With the aim to fill those cognitive gaps, this work wants to highlight three particular empirical issues: firstly, I describe the formal organizational structure of those associations. Secondly, I represent their actual organizational resources. Thirdly, I conduct an intra-organizational analysis in which I try to focus on the internal distribution of organizational power.