In addition, the critical approach requires both knowledge and reflection to come to an understanding of the interest group and its needs. Thus, the critical theory can provide a more balanced view of interest groups and what they really want. For example, in the pluralist theory, a major drug company winning Congressional support for its policies may be seen as representing the needs of all drug companies, and thus representing the needs of the people served by that drug company, and assume the competition was not as valuable or representative. However, the critical view would look at what the drug company really wants by altering policies, and if the decisions will enhance service and research, or really only enhance the company and its value to shareholders. After looking at the two different theories of interest groups, it seems, as interest groups have grown increasingly powerful, that the critical approach is the more valid and sensible of the two. The pluralist view assumes competition is good, the larger interest groups are the most valid, and that interest groups and their leaders represent a majority of the members in those groups. However,...

Critics take a narrower look at interest groups and their ultimate objectives, and so, seem to be able to see the groups more effectively and control them more efficiently. Thus, the critical view of interest groups seems to be the most valid and effective today.
References

Golden, Marissa Martino. "Interest Groups in the Rule-Making Process: Who Participates? Whose Voices Get Heard?" Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory 8.2 (1998): 245+.

Petracca, Mark R., ed. The Politics of Interests: Interest Groups Transformed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1992.

Rust, Michael. "Disparate Interest Groups Vie for Hearts of the Elderly." Insight on the News 27 Nov. 1995: 11+.

Seidenfeld, Mark. "Empowering Stakeholders; Limits on Collaboration as the Basis for Flexible Regulation." William and Mary Law Review 41.2 (2000): 411.

Thomas, Clive S., ed. Political Parties and Interest Groups: Shaping Democratic Governance. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2001.