Professionalism

"Whether a person can be deemed a professional is determined by the degree to which he or she has internalized certain values pertinent to the profession. Although there is some disagreement, four areas appear to be important.

1. Expertise. The professional requires some expertise. This includes specialized knowledge and skills that can be obtained only through training (usually through academic study and experience).
2. Autonomy. The professional claims autonomy. Professionals reserve the right to decide how their function is to be performed and to be free from restrictions.
3. Commitment. Professionals feel a commitment to the discipline. They are more likely to identify with members of their profession in other organizations than with their own organization.
4. Code of ethics. Finally, there is a responsibility to society for the maintenance of professional standards of work. They adhere to professional self-discipline and a code of ethics."
   

Brown & Harvey, An Experiential Approach to Organization Development, 7th Ed.