The public affairs professional...

...maintains professional relationships based on honesty and reliable information, and therefore:

Represents accurately his or her organization's policies on economic and political matters to government, employees, shareholders, community interests, and others.

Serves always as a source of reliable information, discussing the varied aspects of complex public issues within the context and constraints of the advocacy role.

Recognizes the diverse viewpoints within the public policy process, knowing that disagreement on issues is both inevitable and healthy.

...seeks to protect the integrity of the public policy process and the political system, and he or she therefore:

Publicly acknowledges his or her role as a legitimate participant in the public policy process and discloses whatever work-related information the law requires.

Knows, respects and abides by federal and state laws that apply to lobbying and related public affairs activities.

Knows and respects the laws governing campaign finance and other political activities, and abides by the letter and intent of those laws.

... understands the interrelation of business interests with the larger public interests, and therefore:

Endeavors to ensure that responsible and diverse external interests and views concerning the needs of society are considered within the corporate decision-making process.

Bears the responsibility for management review of public policies which may bring corporate interests into conflict with other interests.

Acknowledges dual obligations—to advocate the interests of his or her employer, and to preserve the openness and integrity of the democratic process.

Presents to his or her employer an accurate assessment of the political and social realities that may affect corporate operations.