What is professionalism?
We explain what professionalism is and some characteristics of this work quality. In addition, what is this and work ethic.
What is professionalism?
It is the way or way of developing a certain professional activity with a total commitment , restraint and responsibility, according to their specific training and following socially established guidelines.
This concept is closely linked to professional activity. Professional means that person who is dedicated to the practice or development of a specific activity, usually for profit. It is important to clarify that this is also used for certain classes of athletes, differentiating them from amateur athletes.
Professionalism, meanwhile, is understood as a virtue or a positive quality . It is one of the main positive characteristics that is desired in every professional, such as work ethic . On the other hand, the SAR defines it as the “use of a profession for profit”.
This characteristic is sought in every professional, but it is not an absolutely necessary condition for it, we have all encountered a professional not very committed. On the other hand, professionalism is highly valued, among colleagues and with clients (if you work with them).
To be considered that the work of a person has been developed with professionalism it is necessary that it meets certain requirements. First, it must show a higher than normal commitment to the work to be done. For example, in the case of doctors, personalized monitoring of the patient, the appropriate containment to the family , referrals and other measures are examples of professionalism. Another example may be a lawyer who correctly advises his client, keeps him abreast of all the news and manages all the corresponding bureaucratic procedures.
In a business environment, it is one of the key pieces for its development. This is even more noticeable in the highest ranks of the organization , since a lack of commitment can have catastrophic results for the entire group. On the other hand, a sample of professionalism on the part of the business dome can be inspiring for all the people who work in it.
It can include manners and ways of referring to their peers, clients and superiors. Proper attire and appearance are factors that can help present a more professional appearance. On the other hand, it requires an adherence to the code of professional ethics that the profession requires.
While professionalism is a virtue that is not necessarily found in all people , the lack of professionalism is one of the worst defects that a person can encounter in their work development. In a private work environment it can result in loss of clients or personal frustration, but the lack of professionalism in a group or business environment can result in a disaster for the entire organization .
The lack of commitment, not using the appropriate vocabulary, negligence, unpunctuality, are just some of the examples of what may be signs of lack of professionalism. Professionalism can be encouraged , stimulated but there are no ways to force someone to take this attitude .
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Professionalism and work ethic
While professionalism is all the above (develop an activity with honesty, expertise, commitment, etc.) professionalism is the simple fact of being a professional .
Although professionalism and work ethics are often considered synonymous , this is not the case, since professionalism emphasizes the correct development of professional activity, while work ethics refers to the ability to make ethical decisions and decide on specific issues.
Work ethics is one of the fundamental pieces to develop and improve interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Despite not being the same, they are closely related and, at best, complement each other.