Towards a lobbying profession: developing the industry's reputation, education and representation

Many academic writers refer to lobbying as a profession. This paper takes issue with that characterization: lobbying is now a well-established occupation, but it falls very far short of having attained professional status. It reviews the generally accepted elements of professionalization, and goes on to explore the ways in which lobbying and lobbyists need to develop in the direction of professionalization. Particular attention is paid to the self-descriptors used by lobbyists, the regulation of lobbying, the education and training of lobbyists and the role of representative bodies.