The Formation and Evolution of Professional Engineering Values

Abstract

The exclusivity, power and authority of the professions has largely been accomplished and legitimated by the unquestioning support of the state. The unique relationship between the two has come under considerable pressure in recent times as the state attempts to fulfil the unending demands of its constituents. An important factor in resisting attempts by the state to direct and control the work of the professions will be the professions ability to maintain solidarity in the face of outside attack. This paper examines the values espoused by professionals on first entering university, after four years of university training, and thirteen years later in the work force. The data show that particular professional values are highly stable across time while others are subject to change. In particular, values related to the day-to-day aspects of work are less stable and vary across work settings, while values which touch on the social responsibility of the profession are less amenable to change and do not significantly vary across different work environments. Divisions within professions with regard to the daily aspects of their work has important ramifications, perhaps providing the basis for the eventual commodification of professional labour.