The Future of the Professions

A Mutual Understanding

The professions are central to society and the economy. People trust professionals and expect them to behave ethically. Professional practitioners enjoy elevated social status, often earned through attendance at elite schools known for their quality and economic class associations.

Professional practitioners – like lawyers, doctors and members of the clergy – possess specialized knowledge. Their knowledge is both abstract (they know more about their topic) and applied (they can put it to use). They have formal credentials. Historically, professionals earned credentials by serving apprenticeships. Now, most professions require candidates to acquire a specified education and to take official examinations to gain entrance. Regulations give professionals a monopoly and govern their practices. The public expects professionals to follow specific codes of ethics and conduct.

Society enters into a “grand bargain” with professionals. It treats them as authorities and gives them license to do things that others cannot. For example, it allows only doctors to operate on people. Professionals practice in areas beyond the competence of those without...