Elaborating Professionalism Studies in Practice and Theory [Hardcover]

What are the future possibilities for the standing of professional practice as it faces growingly problematic markets for services, complex demands for managerial accountability and control, and problematic circumstances and expectations in its ethical and self-regulative governance? New sources of inspiration may be needed if professionalism is to be either a viable or desirable form for the social organisation of work in the coming years of potentially deep economic and social change.Set in the UK, South Africa, Australia and the USA, the empirical studies included elaborate problematic situations of professional practice concerning issues of identity and knowledge. The theoretical studies explore the notion of generic processes; elaborate the plurality of notions of professional practice; theorise the hybridisation witnessed in inter-professional and cross-disciplinary team work; and outline new theoretical departures relating to these. Elaborating professionalism also raises important methodological issues relating to professionalism as ethical practice. The book offers valuable resources to enrich practice, and provokes thought and new ideas about professionalism.

Exploring the issue of the nature and standing of professional practitioners such as lawyers and doctors, this volume uses empirical studies and theoretical papers to assess what the future holds for this vital set of skilled workers in a changing world.

Preface.- Notes on Contributors.- 1. Challenging Professionalism, Clive Kanes.- 2. On the Relationship Between Problem Solving Skills and Professional Practice, Kevin W. Eva.- 3. A Lens on Literacy: Workplace Competence and Professional Practice, Jean Searle.- 4. Revisiting Informal and Incidental Learning as a Vehicle for Professional Learning and Development, Victoria J. Marsick,Karen E. Watkins, Barbara Lovin.- 5. Making it Safe: The Effects of Leader Inclusiveness and Professional Status on Psychological Safety and Improvement lÓG