Growing global demands for more transparency on lobbying
Published date: 25 March 2025
New GRI research highlights the case for clearer reporting on political influence
Lobbying is a routine aspect of how companies engage with governments but there are growing concerns over transparency and accountability, according to a new GRI research paper, Corporate lobbying impacts: stakeholder demands for transparency.
Globally, the scale of lobbying is significant. In the United States alone, lobbying expenditures reached $5.6 billion in 2023. The practice is often driven by an intent from companies and organizations to secure competitive advantages, reduce tax burdens or shape regulations in line with their business priorities.
The new publication highlights growing scrutiny on whether lobbying efforts align with public interests and sustainability commitments. It highlights risks such as regulatory stagnation, delays in addressing global challenges like climate change, and policy decisions being directed away from the public interest.
With practical suggestions to improve transparency and accountability in lobbying activities, the paper recommends that organizations:
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- Go beyond legal compliance and voluntarily disclose lobbying activities;
- Centralize disclosures in a single, easily accessible location;
- Conduct regular reviews of trade association memberships;
- Establish board-level oversight of political engagement.
Supporting organizations to demonstrate transparency and deepen accountability for their impacts is a central pillar of the GRI Standards. Stakeholders need to know how organizations are influencing policy development, especially when these activities have direct implications for environmental, social and economic sustainability. Through our new research, we provide a comprehensive analysis of lobbying practices and their implications, underscoring the imperative for responsible corporate engagement in public policy.
Miguel Pérez Ludena, GRI Research LeadMany countries lack comprehensive disclosure requirements to address lobbying – and even where rules exist, reporting often does not clarify which positions companies support or oppose, while the definition of lobbying can significantly vary between jurisdictions. The analysis indicates that these discrepancies shape what is reported and how, while also raising questions over whether reporting on lobbying meets stakeholders’ expectations.
This is reinforced by the views of a wide range of civil society organizations and think tanks active in this field: the ERB Institute, Climate Voice, Influence Map, Corporate Accountability, Center for Climate Engagement, The Good Lobby, Ceres, Public Citizen and Transparency International. Their input identifies recommendations for lobbying reporting, such as:
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- Broaden definitions of lobbying that include indirect influence, such as trade associations and public relations campaigns.
- Provide detailed reporting on lobbying expenditures, specific policy positions, and advocacy outcomes.
- Ensure public disclosure of trade association memberships and actions taken to address any misalignments with corporate policies.
- Include assurance on whether lobbying activities align with stated climate and sustainability commitments.
The research was developed as part of an ongoing project to update GRI 206: Anti-competitive Behavior, which covers the impacts of organizations on institutions regulating economic exchanges.