Lesson 2 of 6 · 13 min
What makes a profession, and how it earns trust
A profession is an occupational community with specialised education, expert knowledge and a framework of practice and behaviour, and its central goal is to earn the trust of clients and of society.
In short
- A profession has specific education, expert knowledge and a framework of practice and behaviour that underpins trust, respect and recognition. Members use their skills in service to others and share a common code of ethics.
- A profession's code of ethics publicly communicates members' shared principles and expected behaviour, which builds public confidence that skills will be used to serve clients.
- What separates professions from craft guilds and trade bodies: a requirement to uphold high ethical standards, a mission to serve society, and setting and enforcing conduct rules.
- Ten trust-building features: normalised behaviour, service to society, client focus, high entry standards, expert knowledge, continuing education, monitoring of conduct, collegiality, recognised oversight bodies, member engagement.
- Fiduciary duty = the obligation to deliver a high standard of care when acting for the benefit of another party.
- Professions keep evolving; society may recognise one before it meets every expectation.
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