Final answer:
Co-optation is a strategy where one organization seeks to gain support from another through friendly interactions and influence, possibly involving electioneering and grassroots politics to affect public policy and lawmaker decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Co-optation is an effort by one organization to win the support of the leaders of another through various methods, with the ultimate aim of influencing the latter to align with the policy, objectives, or desires of the former. This can manifest through friendly interactions that aim to create goodwill, rather than applying force or pressure, to obtain compliance with the wishes of one or more organizations. It may also involve adapting behavior to conform with a group's norms, pursuing electioneering activities, or harnessing grassroots politics to bring about desired public policy outcomes. Organizations—whether they be political parties, interest groups, labor unions, or corporations—may engage in co-optation to influence lawmakers, shape public opinion, or secure a competitive advantage.