Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Characteristics
Jyothi. R. K.
of a
Profession
Definition -Profession
A profession is defined as
a vocation in which skill,
based on theoretical
knowledge acquired
through higher education,
is applied to the affairs of
others in order to meet
their needs.
A profession is regulated by a
professional body which sets
examinations of competence, acts as
licencing authority for practitioners,
and enforces adherence to an ethical
code.
Regulation enforced by statute
distinguishes a profession from other
occupations represented by trade
groups who aspire to professional
status for their members.
Characteristics of a
profession
Professions are occupationally
related social institutions established
and maintained as a means of
providing essential services to the
individual and the society.
Each profession is concerned with an
identified area of need or function
(for example, maintenance of
physical and emotional health,
preservation of rights and freedom,
enhancing the opportunity to learn).
Characteristics of a
profession
The profession collectively, and the
professional individually, possesses a body
of knowledge and a repertoire of behaviors
and skills (professional culture) needed in
the practice of the profession; such
knowledge, behavior, and skills normally
are not possessed by the nonprofessional.
Members of the profession are involved in
decision making in the service of the
client. These decisions are made in
accordance with the most valid knowledge
available, against a background of
principles and theories, and within the
context of possible impact on other related
conditions or decisions.
Characteristics of a
profession
The profession is based on one or
more under girding disciplines from
which it builds its own applied
knowledge and skills.
The profession is organized into one
or more professional associations,
which, within broad limits of social
accountability, are granted
autonomy in control of the actual
work of the profession and the
conditions that surround it
Characteristics of a
profession
The profession has agreed-upon
performance standards for admission to
the profession and for continuance within
it.
Preparation for and induction into the
profession is provided through a
preparation program, usually in a
professional school or a college or
university campus.
There is a high level of public trust and
confidence in the profession and in
individual practitioners, based upon the
profession's demonstrated capacity to
provide service
Characteristics of profession
Individual practitioners are
characterized by a strong service
motivation and lifetime commitment
to competence.
The professional accepts
responsibility in the name of his or
her profession and is accountable
through his or her profession to the
society.
Characteristics of profession
A profession requires an extended education of its
members, as well as a basic liberal foundation