Responsibilities of Professionalism
- Appearance is a key aspect of professionalism.suit image by AGITA LEIMANE from Fotolia.com
Professionalism is a set of responsibilities set forth by a group or organization for its members to follow. The basic principles of professionalism are universal, although individual groups often choose to make these principles more specific to their career field or work place. Understanding and following the responsibilities of professionalism helps to show co-workers, management and clients your unique level of personal commitment to your job. - The specifics of ethical conduct can vary from one organization to the next, but there is a standard which is universal. Ethical conduct requires refraining from illegal action or taking advantage of others. In business, ethical conduct is the compilation of honesty and refraining from deceitful practices. Ethical conduct requires a business or employee to continually examine how they operate and what changes need to be made. Ethical conduct is not always in line with social standards. It is the responsibility of each individual or business to ensure their behavior is in line with a personal ethical standard, even when social standards are not meeting an ethical standard. (see Reference 1 and 4).
- Professionalism also involves a positive business appearance. This may differ between industries, but always includes clean clothing. White collar jobs such as bankers and salesmen traditionally wear business suits to show professionalism, while blue collar jobs, such as plumbers and construction workers, can show professionalism wearing a polo shirt with khaki pants (see Reference 4 and 5).
- Respect for clients, competitors and co-workers is a universal responsibility of professionalism. An employee who knows how to remain professional when faced with a turbulent unhappy customer can take the concerns of the customer and identify them while remaining respectful. Respect and communication in a business environment gives all employees the feeling of safety and collaboration (see Reference 3).
- A component of ethical conduct, honesty is a key responsibility of professionalism. Businesses who value this component are able to identify their weaknesses with honest adaptation to the future. Honesty in communication within a company, with clients and in advertising is necessary for any company who wants to appear professional to the public (see Reference 3).
- Competence is the culmination of what a company says they can do and what they actually can do. It relies on honesty and respect from within the business and its leadership. A competent employee knows their job and knows what skills they are capable of completing. Competence is not arrogance. When an employee or business is competent they have the skills to back up their advertised abilities. (see Reference 2 and 3).
