The extent to which health administration can be considered a profession is examined in the context of the five major models of the professions in the literature (historical, trait, functional, economic and power). A synthesis of the various models into a proposed integrative model, or typology of occupations, is also presented. Control over entry and control over conduct are identified as the two major dimensions by which the professional status of various occupations is measured. Health administration is seen as a profession in this context, and the prospects for further professionalization are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
MacDonaldM.S.1982. Does health administration represent a new form of professionalism?Health Management Forum3(4), 10–18.
2.
AustinC.J.1977. Redefining professionalism in health administration. Hospital Progress58(5), 70–73, 97.
3.
JohnsonT.J.1972. Professions and Power, London: Macmillan.
4.
LarsonM.S.1977. The Rise of Professionalism: A Sociological Analysis, Berkeley: University of California Press.
5.
FreidsonE.1972. Profession of Medicine: A Study of the Sociology of Applied Knowledge, New York: Dodd, Mead and Company.
6.
EvansR.G.1984. Strained Mercy: The Economics of Canadian Health Care, Toronto: Butterworths.
7.
RachlisM. and KushnerC.1989. Second Opinion: What's Wrong with Canada's Health Care System and How to Fix It, Toronto: Collins.
8.
Economic Council of Canada. 1981. Reforming Regulation, Ottawa: Supply and Services Canada.
9.
MuzondoT.R. and PazderkaB.1979. Professional Licensing and Competition Policy: Effects of Licensing on Earnings and Rates-of-Return Differentials, research monograph no. 5, Ottawa: Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Bureau of Competition Policy.
