Professionalism brings many positive outcomes to organizations and beyond. Professionalism ensures that individuals and organizations adhere to ethical standards, maintain a high level of competence and prioritize the well-being of society. By upholding professionalism in government, private and other organizations, social development is fostered through trust and accountability, ethical decision-making, a commitment to quality products, the delivery of quality services in diverse areas and responsible activities. Additionally, professionalism — which promotes collaboration and innovation — leads to social justice and sustainable solutions for various challenges in social, economic, political and other aspects. But there is a lack of or inadequate professionalism in many governmental and other organizations in different countries.
It is notable that behavioral and skills training based and other steps are taken in different countries by organizations, government, private and others, to develop professionalism. Providing training and professional development opportunities, fostering communication and collaboration within organizations, recognizing and rewarding achievements and implementing a code of conduct are some of the commonly taken steps. Among others, creating a positive work condition that values diversity and inclusion, promoting ethical/responsible behaviors and providing opportunities for professional networking and growth are emphasized in many multinational corporations and other organizations to develop professionalism for the better performance and quality products and services of them. But professional development steps are taken less in many government, private and non-government organizations including established organizations in different countries.
While over professionalism — an excessive or exaggerated display of professionalism — creates a rigid and inflexible atmosphere that limits innovation and growth, affects family life and emotional well-being and brings some other negative outcomes, a lack of or inadequate professionalism that leads to a decrease in productivity and efficiency within an organization and results in a negative impact on the reputation and credibility of the organization and individuals involved leads to sub-standard products and services in education, health care and other sectors, impeding progress on important societal issues. Among others, a lack of or inadequate professionalism that erodes public trust in key government and other institutions perpetuates inequalities, increases social injustice and leads to a breakdown in social cohesion.
There are also resource constraint based and other challenges to the development of professionalism in many organizations. The lack of access to quality education and training opportunities, limited resources and support for professional development and systemic bias or discrimination in organizations are some crucial barriers. Limited resources including financial and limited organizational support for professional development are notable concerns in many organizations, especially in small organizations including small-scale non-profit organizations. Additionally, a lack of mentorship and networking opportunities within organizations impedes the development of professionalism in many organizations. Among others, the increasing reliance on technology, which sometimes leads to a lack of face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills, puts hindrances to professional development.
It is desired that effective steps be taken to address the barriers and improve professionalism in different government, private and other organizations in different countries. The emphasis needs to be given to professional development with training programs and other initiatives and developing and maintaining a high level of professional commitment and integrity. By providing constructive feedback, recognizing achievements and promoting teamwork, many organizations can also empower their employees to continually strive for excellence and maintain a desired level of professionalism. Additionally, promoting lessons learning from best practices and encouraging effective communication and collaboration within the workplace, which creates a supportive ground, may be helpful in developing professionalism.
Professionalism is definitely needed in all organizations. But it needs more in corporate businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations as these organizations often deal with sensitive information, complex projects and high-stake decision-making — which affects society more in economic, social, political and other areas. Additionally, in some sorts of agencies/organizations including the judiciary, law-enforcing, technological, financial and healthcare-based, professionalism is needed more due to their nature of work and required level of trust, along with social impacts. But increased allocation of financial resources is crucial in different organizations for professional development.
