Rethinking professionalism: guardianship of land and resources

The rise of modern professions, and the concept of professionalism, usually has two sides. On the one hand, it can be seen as self-serving as it circumscribes practices, controls a knowledge base, controls entry into the occupation, demands public recognition of professional status and fixes the market for its services. On the other hand, built environment professions and professionalism also offer the promise of a covenant with society to protect it from unscrupulous, unfair or short-term practices through the provision of impartial advice and services. This ethical basis for professionalism is considered in the context of the property market, with a focus on valuation professionals. It is argued that if property professionals have a stewardship or guardian role for society and the built environment, then this means the right and a duty to challenge what 'the client' or 'the market' may seek. The property profession in general and valuation professionals in particular must find a new role in proactive 'market-shaping' which involves a re-examination of unquestioned assumptions and underlying fundamentals of current professional practices.