ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LOBBYISTS

IDENTIFY

1. Ethical Principles : Which fundamental lobbying profession principles-fair dealing, full disclosure, loyalty or diligence (among others) are at issue?
2. Duties to others: To whom do you owe a duty- your client(s), employer, colleagues, public officials and/or others?
3. Important Facts: What facts do you know and what additional information do you need to make an informed decision.
4. Conflicts of Interest: Are there any encumbrances, relationships or incentives influencing your actions?

ACT

1. By making a decision: The specific action required may vary based on the individual aspects of the situation. Your decision may require multiple actions or steps, or none at all.
2. By elevating the issue to a higher authority: Alternatively the best course of action may be to elevate your concerns to a more appropriate party. You may remain connected to the scenario, so you may need to follow up with the other individual to ensure appropriate action is taken.

CONSIDER

1. Situational Influences: Are outside pressures (such as conformity to group opinion, obedience to authority) or internal biases (such as overconfidence) affecting your decision-making?
2. Alternative Actions: Have you brainstormed multiple solutions and avoided a preconceived path?
3. Additional Guidance: Have you sought the independent objective assessment of other parties to gain additional perspective?

REFLECT

1. On what you’ve learned: Once you have taken action, take the time to review the path taken. The lessons you learn will help you reach ethical decisions more quickly in the future.
2. On Strengths and Weaknesses: Regardless of whether your decisions bring out positive or negative consequences, understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you make ethical decisions in the future

 REMINDER FOR LOBBYISTS

1. Maintain trust: Ethical lobbyists build strong relationships, show mutual respect and honour commitments with legislators, staff and fellow lobbyists.
2. Obey rules : Follow the rules- from how to register, to when to wear identification.
3. Conduct business with integrity : Good lobbyists are proud of their profession and see themselves as problem solvers and resources for information.
4. Treat fellow lobbyists with courtesy: Lobbyists know they may be on opposite sides on one issue but allies on others.
5. Tell the truth: Principled lobbyists don’t mislead lawmakers or mischaracterise their clients’ positions and supporting data.
6. Follow the spirit of the law: It is not enough to just act within the law. Ethical lobbyists embrace the rule of law and its underlying principles.
7. Avoid conflicts of interest: If a potential conflict arises, ethical lobbyists disclose it immediately to both parties and recuse themelves until the matter is resolved.
8. Strive for transparency: Good lobbyists don’t hide information- they share it. A policymaker is entitled to expect candid disclosure from the lobbyist, including accurate and reliable information about the identity of the client and the nature and implications of theissues. But ethical behaviour should be a two-way street. Legislators need to be just as ethical as lobbyists. This includes no surprises and no tricks.