ETHICAL CRITERIA IN DAY-TO-DAY PROFESSIONAL LOBBYING ACTIVITIES
Submitted by christian on Mon, 06/29/2015 - 11:45
- Situation: 75% of the time, lobbyists engage in an evaluation process before determining whether to take on a new client or interest. After lobbyists engage in the initial evaluation of the issue, client, or organization, effects on other interests are considered and clients are made aware of such effects.
- Strategy: Lobbyists tend to include the opposing point of view as part of their strategy and out of respect for the person being lobbied. Lobbyist rarely conceal the identity of their clients as part of the strategic plan. The factor of strategy includes elements of reversibility, respect, and visibility. This factor follows the adage “do unto others as you would have them to do unto you” or “communicate with others as you would have them communicate with you”. They all relate to the importance of respect to ethical advocacy.
- Procedure: Lobbyists consult those they represent before making lobbying decisions more often than they make lobbying decisions for the group(s) they represent on their own.
- Nature of lobbying: The macro environment in which lobbyists work it is referred to as the nature of lobbying. There are understood conditions of conduct between lobbyists and policymakers. Because a legislative vote can make or break a lobbying effort, it is necessary for both lobbyists and legislators to understand the adversarial relationship this environment creates.
- Arguments: Lobbyists use a combination of combination of facts and emotional appeals when communicating on behalf of those they represent, and they tend to use the latter less frequently. Lobbyists consider the validity of their arguments and the context in which they are implementing rhetorical techniques.
- Accuracy: Lobbyists understand the ramifications of providing inaccurate or incomplete information to legislators. Not only will it damage their professional reputations, but also such behavior could result in negative public policy evaluation. This factor reflects the importance of truthfulness and trustworthiness.
- Priority: Client interests are the driving force when lobbyists make decisions. Additionally, lobbyists almost always see policymakers as means to a successful lobbying campaign. As advocates, lobbyists take up the cause of their clients and work “zealously” to promote that cause. Even though lobbyists perceive policymakers as means to successful lobbying campaigns, this attitude is not inherently unethical because legislators have a vested interest in their relationships with lobbyists and willingly volunteer to the conditions of participation. Thus, speech by lobbyists directed toward legislators is considered non-coercive because legislators are aware of their options and retain free choice . This factor illustrates that even though lobbyists use legislators as a means to an end, their behavior is not unethical because the process is transparent.
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