Professionalism

basic questions .. with my immediate answers ...
Much of this arrived at via a review of similar questions posed by Librarians.

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/tutorials/professionalism/prof.html

what is the definition of a profession?

• a vocation requiring (specialized) knowledge of some segment of learning or science
• a professional is someone who follows such an occupation for a livelihood ...

what the major elements of any profession?

• philosophy - must be articulated both orally & written form
• body of knowledge - must have a body of professional literature (research, study and comment)
• leaders or philosophers - the profession had/ has leaders who research & write on the profession (writers or role models or doers)
• guidelines for behaviour (codes, guidelines, creeds, beliefs .. common to all practitioners)
• admission requirements - licensed, special / initial / advanced education.. with ongoing testing / maintenance of membership
• other

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/tutorials/professionalism/IB.html

what is professionalism?

• an application of methods to ensure the proper application of the above

• exhibiting professional character, spirit, or methods
• exhibiting standing practices, or methods of a profession so that they are distinguished from an amateur (American College Dictionary)

expectations
- establish a special relationship with clients
- lack self interest
- be involved in all aspects of the profession
- publicize what the profession does and is

criteria
- intellectual component is dominant
- have autonomy in their work
- apply their own judgement in how to realize client customer / client goals etc.
- operate with little or no self interest in serving society
- dedicated to services and institutions
- take pride in the quality of their work

education
- unique training
- formal education
- achieving credentials
- active in continuing education
- join / actively involved in prof. associations

characteristics
- considered experts
- high degree of general and systematic knowledge with a theoretical base
- primary orientiation is to serve the best interests of their public / community
- high degree of self control governed by..
- code of ethics
- code of assurance of quality
- guarantee competency of membership
- service orientation

responsibilities
- maintain associations which advance the profession
- promote well being of other members
- develop standards for themselves & their institutions
- make sacrifices (?)
- pub information & research to explain the professional's uniqueness

competencies
- master of theoretical knowledge
- capacity to solve problems
- application of theoretical knowledge
- ability to create knowledge as well as possess it
- enthusiasm & commitment to clients
- commit to continuous learning about the profession

issues
- be conscious of current issues in the profession

support
- create structures of subcultures for other professionals
- strive to promote public acceptance of the profession
- promote ethical practices
- define penalties for profs who work against good practices identified by the profession (self regulating)

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/tutorials/professionalism/IC.html