Differentiating Bribery and Lobbying

by Zane Glasgow

Lobbying as well as briber are frequently conjoined by average folks. Lobbying critics say that it is more of a formal form of bribery. While both actions are seeking to achieve a favorable outcome, the two are unique from each other. Bribery can be considered an effort of buying power and it can take literally in any form like when someone 送花, gave financial assistance and so forth.

The major difference between the two is that, lobbying is legal and bribery is not.

Lobbying

Lobbyists are trying to shape legislation, public policy and laws to the benefit of the entity or group that hires them. Its campaigns could sometimes be public ones or be fed to media in an effort to influence public opinion. However, they’re oftentimes targeted to elected officials, politicians, government agency employees and legislators.

“Lobbyists” on the other hand is a term that refers to both organizations and individuals. Lobbyists have built support systematically for their cause. Usually, they are funding a survey, study or even research that may sway the politician’s opinion or perhaps, their constituents.

Bribery

In contrary to bribery, this normally takes place on an individual level. It’s anything but public. Bribe giver often gives or offer a certain figure under the table to be able to subvert the standard processes. This may be paying tax officers to clean reports under-reported revenue or to send goods without invoice.

The bribe might also be in form of favor in kind or donation. For instance, a purchase manager from a company might award an order to a certain supplier in return of undue favor in form of money. This is regardless if it is under the company’s policy of awarding contracts or orders. Public officers are constantly receiving bribe offers to avoid taxes as well as the corresponding liabilities.

Bribe is Bribe

No matter how the bribe is done, this leads to unfair advantage for bribe giver. Bribes might seem to be small amounts compared to the lobbying contributions but, that is exactly where the problem is. These are figures that can’t be accounted for, which leaves no one responsible.