Does Industry Lobbying Pose Ethical Challenges?

Are there ethical obligations to communicate the insurance industry’s legislative and lobbying positions to your clients?  Should insurers and agents impose their political views on customers because they believe the changes are ultimately in the best interests of clients? Check out the response to the latest column by NU’s ethics columnist, Peter R. Kensicki, and offer your own views on the subject right here.

In his latest column, “A Question of Ethics,” in NU’s March 15 edition, Mr. Kensicki wrote the following:

The majority of those responding to these questions see no ethical responsibility to communicate legislative positions to clients–although many think it is a good idea to do so.  However, the majority also believe lobbying should be done only when the proposed changes directly benefit clients.

“There is no need to tell you’re lobbying.  No ethical issue at all,” said one Minnesota agent. “However we should not push an agenda unless it directly benefits clients.”