THE PROFESSIONALISM PARADOX: A SENSE OF PROFESSIONALISM INCREASES VULNERABILITY TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Professionalismis often viewed, in the management literature and in practice, as a desirable sought-after trait in employees and managers. This belief, however, does not consider a potential dark side of professionalism. A high self-concept of professionalism often coexists with a shallow notion of the concept and can paradoxically lead to detrimental outcomes, such as greater unethical behavior and increased vulnerability to conflicts of interest. This article describes the circumstances in which this outcome is likely to occur and howworkplace policies that rely solely on cultivating intrinsic values at the expense of monitoring and extrinsic controls may fail or have a contrary effect. It recommends integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic approaches together, and redefining professionalism as a deeper concept that includes a set of consistently repeated practices rather than a character trait.

Automated summary

Professionalism is highly valued in the workplace, but it may have a dark side. A strong belief in professionalism can paradoxically lead to unethical behavior and conflicts of interest. This article suggests integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic approaches, and redefining professionalism as a set of consistently repeated practices rather than a character trait.