In today's world, Professional association has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide spectrum of society. Since its emergence, Professional association has captured the attention of academics, experts, professionals and the general public, generating intense debate and endless discussions around its implications, applications and consequences. Whether due to its impact on technology, the economy, culture or politics, Professional association continues to be the object of study and analysis, arousing growing interest and attracting the attention of different actors and sectors. In this article, we will explore the various facets of Professional association, its challenges, opportunities and possible repercussions, with the aim of shedding light on its importance and contributing to the understanding of its scope and meaning today.
It has been suggested that Professional conduct be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2024. |
A professional association (also called a professional body, professional organization, or professional society) is a group that usually seeks to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals and organisations engaged in that profession, and the public interest. In the United States, such an association is typically a nonprofit business league for tax purposes.[1] In the UK, they may take a variety of legal forms.[2]
The roles of professional associations have been variously defined: "A group of people in a learned occupation who are entrusted with maintaining control or oversight of the legitimate practice of the occupation;"[3] also a body acting "to safeguard the public interest;"[4] organizations which "represent the interest of the professional practitioners," and so "act to maintain their own privileged and powerful position as a controlling body."[4] Professional associations are ill defined although often have commonality in purpose and activities.[5] In the UK the Science Council defines a professional body as "an organisation with individual members practicing a profession or occupation in which the organisation maintains an oversight of the knowledge, skills, conduct and practice of that profession or occupation".[6] The Quality Assurance Agency distinguishes between statutory bodies and regulators that "have powers mandated by Parliament to regulate a profession or group of professions and protect the use of professional titles" and professional bodies that "are independent membership organisations that oversee the activities of a particular profession and represent the interests of members" and which "may offer registration or certification of unregulated occupations on a voluntary basis."[7]
Many professional bodies are involved in accrediting degrees, defining and examining the skills and competencies necessary to practice, and granting professional certifications to indicate that a person is qualified in the subject area.[8]
Many professional bodies also act as learned societies for the academic disciplines underlying their professions,[1][9] such as the American Statistical Association.