REVOLVING DOOR LOBBYISTS

One of the most frequently criticized aspects of the lobbying profession is the so-called Revolving Door, whereby individuals move between positions in the public and the private public sectors. According to conventional wisdom, experience in government allows former officials to develop a network of friends and colleagues that they can later exploit on behalf of their clients. Such movement has become more frequent throughout the world in recent years as governments and business communities have developed closer ties. This phenomenon can be beneficial when it allows business and government to share experience, knowledge and practice. It is also possible that regular movement of individuals back and forth can lead to better communication between the public and private sectors and a better understanding of the issues in the industry.

However, it is a problem wherever it leads to conflict of interest and corruption, and so compromises the integrity of public decision making, policy formation or contracting.

The existence of the Revolving Door raises several concerns. Firstly, career concerns in the lobbying industry can potentially affect the actions taken by serving government officials. Secondly, the prospect of post-government monetary windfalls can change the type of people that are attracted to public service . Thirdly, the existence of a disparity of access and influence over elected representatives creates ethical issues and perpetuates the impression that decision making is controlled by a tightly knit elite, thus undermining popular support for democratic institutions.

These are some of the most common ways this may happen:

• Using influence and contacts. Former officials may use contacts in government to gain leverage to decision making after they have resigned and joined business. Former colleagues may feel obliged or pressured into granting them favorable decisions.

• Using insider information. A former government employee may use commercially sensitive information gained while in office to the benefit of his or her new employer or clients, at the unfair expense of competitors who cannot access this information.

• Representing former interests after taking office. Officials may bring previous loyalties and interests into office, and will support them in a potentially biased way when forming policy, enforcing regulations or awarding contracts.

• Seeking future employment while in office. An official may try to gain favor with a certain company or industry while in office, with the view to securing a lucrative job offer or directorship upon leaving public service.

The goal of revolving door regulations should not be to eliminate the revolving door but to manage the associated risks. Although very few countries presently have adequate regulations to deal with the problems arising from revolving door, the phenomenon has drawn considerable attention in recent years and merits greater public attention. When appropriate rules and regulations are not in place, the revolving door between the public and the private sector creates the risk of corruption as it is possible that public office will be abused for private gain.