Published in September, 2002, by Georgetown University Press, this book provides the foundation for a code of ethics in the practice of lobbying. The Woodstock Principles for the ethical conduct of lobbying offer practical guidance to persons who engage in the process of lobbying the Federal government and its agencies. The Woodstock Principles deal in detail with specific aspects of lobbying such as lobbyist-client relationships, lobbyist-policy maker relationships, conflicts of interest, proper lobbying strategies and tactics, and how these all relate to the common good.

The Woodstock Theological Center, located at Georgetown University, began this project in 1998. The insights and guidance of actual practitioners of the lobbying profession in Washington, D.C., played a major role in the shaping of the book's conclusions. The process involved individual interviews, small focus groups, and a larger plenary conference, all conducted in order to develop a clearer understanding of how lobbying actually functions and how it fits into a democratic society.

The Principles are only one part of this broad study, and other chapters seek to provide relevant context and background in several ways, from the expressions of those directly engaged in the lobbying process "in their own words," a case study with reflection questions about the ethics of lobbying, as well as broader discussions of the purpose and method of ethics, the state of lobbying today, legal regulation of lobbying, and the ethics of political advocacy.

Woodstock's Ethics in Public Policy Program is directed by Woodstock senior fellow and sociologist Edward B. Arroyo, S.J., who coordinated the research team responsible for this book. The other members of this team are James L. Connor, S.J., theologian, Robert W. Gardner, journalist and rapporteur, Philip A. Lacovara, lawyer-lobbyist, and Michael H. McCarthy, philosopher.

Download The Ethics of Lobbying: Organized Interests, Political Power, and the Common Good

PDF format, 617KB, 112Pages, provided by The Woodstock Theological Center.

Publisher: Georgetown University Press (October 2002)

FOREWORD:
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT ORIGIN OF THE PROJECT

The Woodstock Theological Center is the sponsor of this project. The center does research, conducts conferences and seminars, and publishes books and articles in support of its mission to engage in theological and ethical reflection on topics of social, economic, and political importance. The center is located in Washington, D.C., with a view to engaging in programs in service to the federal government and the development of national legislation and public policy.

The first such two-year project gathered members of government with experts in political science and social ethics, and it issued a book titled Personal Values in Public Policy: Conversations on Government Decision-Making (edited by John C. Haughey, S.J.; Paulist Press, 1979). Subsequently, the center sponsored a major day-long conference, “Welfare Reform, Federalism, and the Common Good,” in December 1995. The conference’s proceedings were made available to the participants and the wider reading public.

Woodstock launched this project on lobbying in 1998 for three reasons. First, lobbying has grown exponentially during the past twenty years to exercise enormous influence on American politics. It has almost become a new profession in that time, and therefore deserves a new review and evaluation. Second, lobbying has simultaneously fallen under suspicion and engendered critical resentment in some quarters. Its critics would say it supports “special” (i.e., narrow and well-funded) interests and is oblivious to the general well-being of our democratic life and process.

Third, reputable lobbyists have called, therefore, for a clarification of standards and principles for use within their own ranks and as an explanation to the general public of the goals, objectives, and methods of lobbying to forestall misunderstanding and misjudgment. This clarification would provide the lobbying profession with a normative statement parallel to the codes of conduct and ethical practice of the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. ...

James L. Connor, S.J.
Director, Woodstock Theological Center
Georgetown University

Visit The Woodstock Theological Center Website

THE WOODSTOCK THEOLOGICAL CENTER is a nonprofit research center established by the Society of Jesus.

The mission of the Woodstock Theological Center is to engage in theological and ethical reflection on topics of social, economic, business, ecclesial, and political importance. The Center does research, conducts conferences and seminars, and publishes books and articles.

Comments (0)

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment