Lobbying - an ethical procedure?

Lobbying is essential in influencing government regulations.

Ethical lobbying includes principles such as keeping information open to the public, ensuring the public can get their views across, transparency and making sure that all parties involved are aware of any changes in order to be able to make their views known and have easy access. Transparency is not always evident and lobbying is not always open about its means or even about the clients involved or the interests that it is working for. Lobbying can only be considered as ethical if there is respect evident for those involved and the surrounding environment.

Zetter (2008) states the case for lobbying by putting across points such as lobbyists being able to counter balance the inbuilt advantages of governments and that lobbyists can help to stop bad laws being passed by letting MP’s know of any potential problems. Certain actions can be seen as ethical if kept under control for example forming a large group and protesting in the streets can turn into unethical behaviour. Concerns for lobbying include deception and manipulation therefore the lobbyists involved should have moral values in place and know exactly what they want to achieve from it and what boundaries cannot be crossed. Bribery is one action considered very unethical and it has been found that some lobbyists use their power to influence government decisions, also proving to be unethical as smaller businesses may not have this amount of power and therefore this creates a sense of unfairness.

Conflicts of interest must be avoided and financing for the campaign must be done so through government operations. Lobbying should be honest and posses shared moral values for those around and who may be affected. Businesses should have a sense of social responsibility and know what the desired outcome is. The government have placed legislations in place for lobbying which will prove very successful in keeping lobbying as an ethical act for all.