Professionalism At Its Best PDF

IT2222 PROFESSIONALISM AT ITS BEST Professional relations (PR) were cooperative and mutually supportive...

IT2222 PROFESSIONALISM AT ITS BEST Professional relations (PR) were cooperative and mutually supportive in this interpretation. Relations of trust represented the employee- The Root of Professionalism client, and employee-management interactions as competence were presumed as a guarantee through education, training, and licensing. Professionalism Second Interpretation Professionalism is more than just about qualifications, knowledge, and skill; but is also about integrity, ethics, and trust. During the 1970s-1980s, professionalism was dismissed as a successful principle and professionalization as a process of authority Practicing and maintaining a high level of valued professionalism will over occupation or a market. create stronger relationships with clients, employers, the team, and the public who will use or benefit from the products and services. According to this interpretation, professionalization promotes a professional’s occupational self-interest in salary and power. It was a The essence of professionalism is not just for the job but also for how process initiated and controlled by the employees through the job is done. It possesses a set of values, behaviors, and broader professional institutions and associations to promote and protect their responsibilities in how the professional’s knowledge and skills are self-interests. applied. Third Interpretation Origin of Professionalism It involved the analysis of professionalism as a discourse of The idea of professionalism and the establishment of modern occupational change and control, especially in organizations wherein professions originated from trade guilds and the learned societies for it was increasingly applied and utilized by managers. the church, law, and medicine. These developed from the transaction of providing privileges and recognized status to specific people in There is an important difference between the discourse of return for the development and application of their unique knowledge professionalism as built “from within.” It can also be from the and skills. occupational group itself and as-built “from above” or by managers in work organizations. The concepts of professionalism, profession, and professionalization have met considerable and critical attention in sociology through When discourse is built from within, the benefits to the group can be various interpretations and analyses. significant. The occupational group uses the discourse to build its occupational identity, promote its image with clients and customers, First Interpretation and secure and promote the occupational control of work by employees. According to initial British and American analyses, professionalism was determined to be an occupational value for the stability and ordinance of social systems. 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 4  IT2222 Studies in the early 21st century demonstrated that professionalism Conscientiousness should not be confused with working presents advantages for both clients and employees. longer hours than everyone else or obsessing about details. True professionals plan and prioritize their work to keep it These studies highlighted the importance of maintaining under control while not letting perfectionism hold them back. professionalism and trust, competence, and discretion as the main organizing principles for service work in modern societies. 5. Emotional Intelligence: Staying professional under pressure is a sign of a true professional. It requires strategies for Characteristics of Professionalism managing emotions and a clear awareness of other people’s feelings and thoughts. In short, emotional intelligence is Here are the characteristics true professionals possess in the essential. workplace: Professionalism means keeping emotions in check. But at the 1. Appropriateness: Professionalism is knowing what is same time, expressing feelings for meaningful and fruitful appropriate in different situations as it avoids awkwardness or conversations is necessary. upset, boosts credibility and helps to feel job security. 6. Integrity: This keeps professional people true to their word. It Appropriateness relates to outward appearances, such as also stops them from compromising their values, even if that dress, hygiene, and body language. It also covers the way of means taking a bigger risk. speaking and writing in selecting a topic to discuss and behavior with others. Integrity is committed to being honest – to oneself and others. When beliefs and behaviors are aligned, genuineness 2. Competence: It is about a professional who gets the job done reflects. and done well. The ability must meet the role's requirements to produce results that exceed expectations. 7. Knowledge: Professionalism involves detailed and up-to- date knowledge which is highly specialized. Professionals can Professionalism manages the expectations of others and master a role and a specialization by learning new knowledge identifies when it is necessary to ask for support. at every stage of their careers. 3. Confidence: Reasonable confidence reassures and It is also vital to put knowledge into action. Being professional motivates other people by boosting the ability to influence and means being confident to show that knowledge is not for self- lead. It also encourages everyone to take on new challenges promotion but for helping others succeed. as the risk of damaging their professional reputation if things go wrong is non-existent. 8. Respect: Professionalism means being a role model for politeness and displaying good manners to everyone, not just 4. Conscientiousness: Professionalism involves being reliable, to impress specific people. setting high standards, and displaying care in every aspect of the job. It is about being diligent and organized and holding To show proper respect, take others’ needs into account, and oneself accountable for thoughts, words, and actions, no help uphold their rights. matter the results. 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 4  IT2222 Principles of Professionals at Work 2. Teamwork: This builds a strong employee relationship as the more they work closely, the more they get to know and develop a Professionalism is about having an informed, ethical and strategic liking for each other. Additionally, the more they work together, the approach to work for the greater good and the wider benefit. more they learn and adapt to living with each other’s likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. Here are the main professionalism principles in the workplace. One of the benefits of teamwork is reduced toxic work culture. Toxic work culture is driven by drama, low morale at work, lack of communication, and the fear of a boss. Teamwork is enhanced by participating in team-building activities to practice relying on others’ strengths and consulting doubts and confusions as soon as they arise. 3. Critical Thinking: This allows a professional to analyze information, arrive at conclusions, and make sound decisions. Being a critical thinker is an essential skill everyone must improve. Critical thinking skills are valuable in any role in an organization. It can be developed through communication and creative problem- solving as it allows the free-flowing connection of ideas to evaluate Source: https://memp.pratt.duke.edu/5-principles arguments, find errors, and solve complex issues. Figure 1. Five principles of professionals Prioritize taking on high-risk problems that need immediate action 1. Communication: From verbal and body language to e-Etiquette, to practice critical thinking skills while ensuring the correctness employees must know the expectations in how they communicate. and quality of the output. It is equally important that employees have the resources they need to develop their communication skills. 4. Ethics: Code of ethics aligns the behavior of employees to the company’s visions. It promotes openness, partnership, and trust. Quality communication can eliminate unnecessary problems and Additionally, when employees know supervisors’ expectations, promote better productivity in the workplace. Communicating they do better in their jobs. effectively creates a strong team connection increasing overall performance. If employees consult and consider the views of Always mind the stakes involved in any aspect of the job to ensure others, their interest in cooperation increases leading to finding actions are bounded by what is morally correct and acceptable. the best possible solutions. Recognizing the importance of ethics helps employees feel secure as threats such as harassment and bullying are absent, and respect is thriving. 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 4  IT2222 5. Humanness: This is expressed through natural human values and unique talents and perspectives that employees contribute. Humanity is dynamic as it incorporates the innate need for purpose, growth, and work-life balance simultaneously. Practicing being kind, accepting, and emotionally available is a massive step towards achieving humanness in the workplace. It does not require additional skills but the natural values to do good around people. Professionals today want to be a part of something larger than themselves, something that in some way positively impacts the human experience. References: Brindley, R. (2022). Professionalism at work. RIBA Evetts, J. (2018). Professionalism. [Web Article]. Retrieved on July 7, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/professionalism Glass J. (2021). Professionalism and the 5 principles. [Web Article]. Retrieved on July 7, 2022, from https://memp.pratt.duke.edu/5- principles MindTools (2018). Professionalism: Meeting the standards that matter. [Web Article]. Retrieved on July 7, 2022, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/professionalism.htm#. 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