Many corporations have conflict of interest policies that limit or prohibit the acceptance of gifts, entertainment, hosting, and other things of value. Such poloicies have been successful in fostering unbiased decisions by employees to act in the best interest of their organization.
The intent of these policies is to prevent improper influence of any act or decision to induce a person to violate his or her duties, and/or to secure an unfair or improper advantage.
Once policy is instituted all employees must sign agreement to policy. Penalty for violation of policy is typically termination of employment.
Government employees whether appointed or elected should perform their duties for the benefit of the people they represent and not be influenced by a special interest groups.