|
1. Body of Knowledge - Expertise The society recognises a discrete body of knowledge and skills, which is important to preserve, regulate, propagate and develop for the common good of the community. The society limits the practice of this knowledge to men of good standing only as unscrupulous persons practising these skills can lead to significant harm to the society. Eg. Medicine, law, architecture, accountancy, engineering. 2. Trustee This society entrusts the management of this body of knowledge for the common good of the society to The Profession as trustees. The Profession possess exclusive rights to practise, regulate and propagate in this area of knowledge. The profession is expected by the society to provide leadership, address problem and offer solutions in this area of expertise for the common good of society. 3. Professional Training Admission to the profession requires a long period of education and training. The profession controls the entry criteria, the content of the training and requirements for its completion. 4. Professional Independence The training and the work based on this body of knowledge is controlled and organised by Organisation relatively independent of the State (politics) and capital (economics). The profession controls admission to practice, the terms and conditions, and goals of the practice itself. 5. Legal aspects of the Profession The mandates of the professional organisations are formalised by a variety of legal documents, covering licensures and regulations granting authority. 6. Autonomy The individuals remain autonomous in the workplace within limits of rules, standards and statutes laid down by their professional organisations. Ethical standards are important to ensure trustworthiness. 7. Professional Regulation and Ethics A profession is governed by its own code of ethics in addition to the normal laws of the land. The professions are responsible for the technical and ethical criteria by which their members are evaluated and regulated and have the right and duty to discipline unprofessional conduct. 8. Service Because of this exclusive right the body of knowledge the society expects professionals will gain their livelihood by providing service to the public in the area of expertise. The professional is entitled to a professional and other fees in the delivery of the service. The fees should be commensurate to the level of service or complexity of the work involved. Professionals are to value performance above rewards and are held to a higher standard of behaviour than non-professionals and businessmen. The Professional status is not an inherent right by qualifications only but is granted in trust by the society. The public must believe and see the professional to be trustworthy. To remain trustworthy, the professional must meet the obligations expected by the society. Failure to meet the trust and the professional conduct and standards may mean the loss of that professional status. It is in the best interest of the society and the professions that the ideals of professionalism be pursued as it would only lead to higher standard and higher levels of performance. Professionalism is an important component in the building of a civil society in terms of safeguarding of the interest of the public and serving as a beacon of ethics.
|