Deprofessionalization: The process of weakening or eliminating the

Question

professional characteristics of an occupational group. It is rare for an
occupational group to deprofessionalize itself, it usually originates with the
general public, the government, or organizational employers. (p 275)
▶ Demystifying and Empowering: Sharing the esoteric knowledge of the
profession among the general public. This process could also be
described as empowering the consumer, as it redresses the imbalance in
professional-client relationship. Many professional associations encourage
clients to learn more, though warn against the improper use and
application of information. Some professional associations undertake their
own programs to demystify their knowledge and to empower the client.
(Medical associations sponsor hot-lines, health-related websites, ask-alawyer.)
PROCESS OF
DEPROFESSIONALIZATION
27
▶ Regulations: Rules impose by government agencies, insurance
companies or other third parties. It attacks both the autonomy and the
authority of a professional. Regulation here does not refer to selfregulation, it is externally imposed. (HMO’s, Private insurance companies
dictating the need for procedures.) (p 276)
▶ Managerial Control: Also attacks the autonomy and authority of the
professional. Managerial control may compromise the right of the
professional to be judged by other in the professional community. (In
bureaucratic organizations, the professional employee has a supervisor
who is likely not a professional or have access to the same knowledge.
The supervisor make decisions based on may organizational factors not
professional knowledge.) Organizations will have their own set of rules
and procedures that may conflict with the ethics of the profession.
PROCESS OF
DEPROFESSIONALIZATION
28
▶ Managerial Control (continue): The professional may find
themselves in conflict between two work roles if they are
expected to behave in one way as a professional and in a
different way as an employee. Professionals in large
organizations may find their loyalties shift from their profession
to the company as their assigned managerial functions
becomes increasingly dominant, contributing towards
deprofessionalization. Large firms outsource professional work
in other countries (accounting and computer programming).
The principal reason is to cut costs, as well as access to skills
available in a foreign population.

summarise the above information

Answer 1

Deprofessionalization refers to the process in which the professional characteristics of an occupational group are weakened or eliminated. This typically originates from external sources like the public, government, or employers, rather than the professionals themselves.

Key processes involved in deprofessionalization include:

1. Demystifying and Empowering: This involves sharing specialized knowledge with the public to empower consumers and improve the professional-client relationship. Professional associations often encourage clients to educate themselves while cautioning against misuse of the information.

2. Regulations: External rules imposed by government agencies or insurance companies can undermine a professional’s autonomy and authority by dictating necessary procedures and practices.

3. Managerial Control: This refers to organizational management restricting a professional's autonomy and authority, often by involving non-professionals in supervisory roles. Professionals may face conflicts between their obligations to their profession and their responsibilities as employees. In large organizations, loyalty may shift from the profession to the company, further driving deprofessionalization. Additionally, firms might outsource professional tasks to cut costs, impacting local job opportunities.

Overall, these factors contribute to a shift away from the traditional characteristics of professional work, affecting both the professionals and the clients they serve.