Chapter 3 The Current State of the F amily and Consumer Sciences Profession
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Professionals are also identified by their abil-
ity to deal with high levels of complexity and
uncertainty. Tasks are not always spelled out
clearly and concisely, but a professional can work
in an environment that is not always transparent.
Professionals develop confidence to act in uncer-
tain situations and exhibit thoughtful decisive-
ness. This means they are thoughtful about their
actions and decisions. However, in their decisive
action, professionals respond to societal needs and
their behaviors reflect a social bond with the com-
munities they serve. This community awareness
prompts a greater good than just serving his or her
own needs. Professionals also demonstrate core
humanistic values. Family and consumer sciences
professionals adhere to high ethical and moral
standards and are accountable for their actions and
for those of their colleagues.
So what is professionalism? Here is a summary
of what it is and what it is not. Professionalism in
the workplace has to do with technical skills or
level of expertise. It may not be about having the
highest level of expertise, but it is about the desire
to continue learning and developing expertise. It is
not related to a person’s education level or grade
point average, but does relate to a desire to learn,
grow, and adapt to changing and complex environ-
ments. It is not exclusive to certain types of jobs or
occupations because professional behavior can be
found in any occupation or service. Professionalism
includes being considerate and respectful in deal-
ing with coworkers, customers, and management
while maintaining the highest standards possible
in your field. It is about being the best you can be. It
is about having an optimistic attitude toward work
and life. It requires maturity, regardless of age or
experience.
Professionalism has many benefits. First, it
offers respect and consideration among people.
Second, it gives confidence and assurance to
both the professional and his or her constituents.
Third, it builds trust that decisions made will be
ethically sound and will serve the greater good.
However, what is considered moral or ethical or
even what is considered “for the greater good” is
far more complex in today’s global environment
than you might expect.
Professional Ethics
Professional ethics involve making moral
decisions. Making the right decision is not
always easy, however. What is ethical, moral, or
right may not be clear in every situation. Ethics
are demonstrated in an individual’s words and
actions. Take, for example, the story of Kathy, a
recent graduate in family finance.
Kathy’s Ethical Dilemma
Graduation was a big celebration as Kathy’s
parents, siblings, friends, and classmates honored
her achievement. Now the time had come to
find a job. Six months ago, Kathy completed her
family and consumer sciences degree in family
finance. It had been a hard road. As a single,
divorced mom of two school-age children, it was
not easy going back to school in her mid-forties.
She received some government financial aid and
support from family, yet times were lean over the
past two years. Her kids were ready to have their
mom back—no more studying late into the night
and having little money.
Kathy chose family finance as a major
because she personally experienced the heart-
wrenching decisions that come with declaring
personal bankruptcy. As a young woman, she
frequently overused her high-interest credit
cards, and by the time she married, both she
and her husband were in serious debt. They
found financing that required no down payment
and bought a house, two new cars, and home
furnishings to fill their home. When their marriage
broke up after declaring bankruptcy, neither she
nor her husband had any assets to speak of.
Kathy sought counseling from a family finance
counselor in her community whom a friend
recommended. It was difficult for Kathy, but her
counselor helped her to set goals, establish a
budget, and live within her means. After seeing
first-hand how a family finance counselor can
impact a person’s life and future, Kathy decided
that was the career path for her. She had
empathy for people struggling financially and
wanted to help improve the quality of life for
others.
The timing of Kathy’s graduation was
unfortunate. Although the family finance field was
growing by leaps and bounds and there was great