I believe what holds good for the individual also holds good for organizations.
Hi Rajashekhar, an interesting topic - I would argue that it depends on your focus and viewpoint. For instance, some aspects of professionalism at an individual level will certainly benefit the wider organization (creativity and artistic flair, sense of pride in one's work, heightened expertise and integrity). However, some elements of professionalism, for instance, allegiance and loyalty to a professional body or association might be to the detriment of an organisation (split loyalty, adherence to a code of ethics which suggests whistleblowing on one's organisation)
Hence, Adler and Kwon’s (2013, p. 930) comment that :
"A growing literature suggests that the Anglo-American institution of professionalism – understood both as type of occupation (‘the profession’) and as type of individual work identity (‘the professional’) – is in the process of a profound and contested mutation. The professions’ traditional autonomy and collegial control are increasingly being challenged by the growing pressures of market competition and hierarchical accountability (Brint, 1994; Broadbent and Laughlin, 2002; Freidson, 2001; Muzio et al., 2008)."
For me and my ongoing research, how professionalism is conceptualised is central (traditionally, as per Hall (1968) , autonomy, altruism, peer group as a referent group, belief in self-regulation, and sense of calling, are the key dimensions - but is this comprehensive???) and then how one distinguishes between the benefits to the organisation/individual.
Thank you so much Jennifer, you have clarified the connection of professionalism to that of individual and the organization. Now I get more interested in following yu on your works in this regard. Best wishes
Rajashekhar Devarai
You might also find the following references useful...
Norris, D.R., & Niebuhr, E.R. (1984). Professionalism, Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction in an Accounting Organization. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 9(1), 49-59.
In particular the the notion of two different forms of professionalism (organisational and occupational professionalism) advanced by Julia Evetts (2003, 2006)
Evetts, J. (2003). The construction of professionalism in new and existing occupational contexts: promoting and facilitating occupational change. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 23(4/5), 22-35.
Evetts, J. (2006). Short note: The sociology of professional groups. Current Sociology, 54(1), 133-143.
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