Abstract This paper examines how professional counselors play an essential role in helping individuals achieve their full potential. Experts in any one of a number of fields from education to career to personal growth, today's professional counselors provide services that are distinct from those offered by psychologists and social workers. This paper looks at how, by making use of the principals of mental health, psychology, and human development, counselors apply strategies of cognitive, affective, and behavioral strategies that enable their clients to overcome their problems and reach their goals. The paper also contends that professional counselors differ from other mental health professionals in that they work directly with those needing help by giving advice that is narrowly tailored to their specific needs and problems.
From the Paper "Given the potentially adverse effects of a loss of professional independence, it is imperative that professional counselors begin to advocate for themselves and their profession. Such advocacy helps both their clients and themselves by advancing necessary causes and emphasizing the benefits derived from professional counseling. Nonetheless, advocacy can present problems of its own. Many of these problems are intrinsically problems of perception, as it easy for advocates to appear to be advancing their cause for strictly selfish ends. (Myers, Sweeney & White, 2002) Advocacy can be extremely useful; however, in getting out the message of counseling and helping to further define it as a profession distinct from other mental health disciplines. "
Tags: psychologists, social, work, advocacy, mental, health
This Masters level paper is a brief analysis of the differences and similarities in the ethics, membership, and function of three professional counseling organizations.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract This Masters level paper is a brief analysis of the differences and similarities in the ethics, membership, and function of the American Counseling Association, the Christian Association of Psychological Studies, and the Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Tags: PSYCHOLOGY / COUNSELLING, SOCIAL WORK, professional counseling organizations
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that income level absolutely impacts virtually every dynamic within a family. Countless studies have been performed that focus on virtually every variable within a family dynamic and each have shown the impact of that variable upon the stability, health, finances, education, longevity, happiness, and every other aspect of family life. The writer discusses that one of the most frequently debated family variables is the work/career status of the matriarch of the family; and one of the most significant sub-variables is the income level associated with the job held by the mother. The writer concludes that the professional mother is better able to provide for her family's needs than her working-class counterparts. Therefore, the writer maintains that it is better for the family to have a professionalworking mother, than a working-class working mother.
From the Paper "This is the life of the professional woman. If she wants to get ahead, or even just keep her job, the professional is expected to put in longer hours than the wage-earning working-class woman, she is expected to often place the needs of the business over the needs of her family, and that means, most often, time. However, the professional woman is also more frequently in a job that grants her greater work-time flexibility, a larger number of paid vacation days, and more liberal benefits when it comes to taking care of the family. This is particularly true within larger corporations - so these women are giving up time with their family and putting their children into the care of others for longer periods of time in order to achieve a higher income level and to get much better benefits than are offered (if available at all) to their working-class counterparts."
This paper examines methods for performing job analysis, considers job specifications and requirements, identifies key approaches to job design, and looks at job descriptions from both traditional and modern perspectives.
Abstract Managing human resources is a challenge in today's dynamic business environment. New approaches to traditional tasks have been implemented to help human resource professionals. This paper gives the tools to aid businesses in approaching job analysis and design, and to work to develop job descriptions which are integrated with the company's overall goals and objectives in order to increase productivity.
From the Paper "There are typically three different methods used in job analysis: task, behavioral and ability (Milkovich & Newman, 1996, p. 78). Task data focuses on the fundamental units of work with an emphasis on the purpose of each task. Task data must be developed for each job individually since the purpose behind each task varies from job to job. Thus a programmer might "consult with engineers to determine program specifications" in a task environment, but the engineer might "consult with programmers to develop specifications". In both cases, both the purpose and the task are specific to the job and cannot be substituted."
Abstract This paper explores the relationships between job variables, demographic variables and job burn out among helping professionals. The paper specifically focuses on such questions that seek to determine if there is a relationship between gender and salary level and burn out. The paper also seeks to determine if there is a correlation between the age of participants and burn out. A chart and table are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Statement of Problem
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Appendix
From the Paper "Results of the present study both support and contradict findings from previous studies indicating that much more research is needed to determine contributing factors to job burn out. Based on the findings, it would appear that increased job experience and intrinsic rewards, rather than monetary rewards are factors that may prevent job burn out. Therefore, implementation of job training programs and personal reward incentives may be ways to combat job burn out. This is consistent with earlier findings by Maslach, Schaufeli & Leiter, (2001) and Rosenberg & Pace, (2006) who found that more training was associated with less job burn out. Because heavy caseload was also positively correlated with job burn out, another way to prevent job burn out is that agencies should strive to ensure that professionals are not overburdened by their caseload. Again these findings support Sprang, Clark, & Whitt-Woolsey, (2007) findings that higher caseload led to higher rates of burn out. Lastly, if employers were to allot more time to complete work to employees and encouraged to get more rest, perhaps by offering flexible scheduling, employers could potentially prevent job burn out among their employees."
Abstract This paper discusses how society's attitude towards professionalism has shifted over the past decades. It looks at the changes of figures and statistics in the work force and the move from blue-collar professions to university degree-based professions. It also discusses people's changing attitudes towards different fields in the professional world.
From the Paper "Basically, a professional can be defined as one professed of knowledge (Wikipedia online). A professional receives payment for some activity for which he/she has great skill or that something that demonstrates such skill. To conduct oneself as a professional (exhibiting "professional behavior") would indicate that the person's actions remain in accordance with specific rules, written or unwritten, pertaining to the standards of a profession. In many areas a person must overcome a barrier to entry before gaining recognition as a professional. Such barriers include academic degrees, certifications, licenses or completion of an apprenticeship. Professions with such barriers include those of doctors, engineers, attorneys, teachers and, most recently, individuals in electronic technology."
Abstract This paper discusses several questions relating to the Canadian publishing industry and its continued viability. The paper considers the following two aspects in depth: which trade strategies and practices the Canadian publishing industry should adopt in order to maintain viability; and the role that preservation of cultural identity plays in the Canadian publishing industry. The paper concludes with the observation that the Canadian publishing industry should adopt a global trade practice, and should distance itself from the role of de facto cultural ministry that has been placed upon it.
A paper arguing that the risks college athletes assume by trying to achieve a professional career in sports outweigh any possible benefits they could hope to gain.
Abstract This paper argues that the NCAA has to change the way it operates if it is to maximize the possibility of its student-athletes to achieve their career goals as professional athletes. The paper further argues that trying to combine athletics and academics at this level does not work and serves to lower the standards for both sides of the equation.
From the Paper "The argument to be made in this paper is that the possibilities of achieving a professional sports career and the benefits once that professional career is achieved on the part of college athletes are not worth the odds of giving up on a college education. At the present time, it seems that the major university sports programs especially in football and basketball are geared to producing professional athletes without much emphasis being placed on the academic side of..."
Tags: athletics, professional sport, academics, NCAA
Abstract This paper discusses foreign investment and ownership in publishing companies in Canada. The paper further discusses the concerns of scholarly publishers, as well as business entities that believe that foreign investments do not stifle cultural goals. The paper also reflects on laws that provide protection for excessive ownership of Canadian business by foreign investors and draws conclusions based upon the research.
Abstract The paper briefly outlines what entities such as the BPIDP (Book Publishing Industry Development Program) and the Canada Council for the Arts do for the book publishing industry and its writers in this country. Among other things, the following several pages outline how an organization such as BPIDP has allowed the sector to grow, perhaps despite itself. The paper also examines how the Canada Council of the Arts through subsidizing talented artists, allows Canadian literature to remain flourishing in the face of many challenges.
From the Paper "How would the absence of (public) funding change publishing in Canada? The absence of funding would have a deleterious effect upon Canadian publishing because the publishing sector in this country is only viable if it receives outside help."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the codes of conduct and ethical standards for professionals. The paper explains why these profession specific standards and regulations are necessary for virtually any business industry. The author looks in particular at the standards of professional conduct in the medical field and describes the need for physicians to follow protocol, and especially ethical standards related to the end of human life.
Outline:
Introduction
Various Types of Professional Standards
Specific Concerns of a New Physician
Conclusion
From the Paper "Professional codes of conduct and ethical standards are a part of most business industries. By the turn of the 21st century, virtually every aspect of professional business and services are subject to various forms of government regulation and many of those that are not are self regulated by certifying organizations established voluntarily within the industry. Professional standards and codes of conduct generally address everything from the actual substantive professional responsibilities of practitioners to limitations on other aspects of relationships between professionals and their clients."
Tags: medical ethics, ethical standards, professional standards
Abstract This paper focuses on the status and development of professional ethics as it applies to the field of information technology (IT). It begins by providing an overview of professional business ethics as a whole and then focuses on specific approaches taken when these generalities are applied to the field of information technology. The paper then applies the findings to the provided case scenario and further evaluates if the current status of ethical problem solving in information technology is satisfactory for meeting the realities of ethical demands.
Table of Contents:
Summary
Introduction
Overview of Business Ethics
Business Ethics in Information Technology
Methods of Evaluating Ethics in Information Technology
The Boomer et al Behavioral Model of Ethical and Unethical Decision Making
Boomer Model Applied: A Case Study
Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper "In conclusion it can be seen that the field of information technology faces constant ethics-based decisions. However, unlike other professions, information technology lacks a professional code of conduct. Thus, to cope, the field adopts principles from general business ethics when faced with ethical dilemmas. However, as has been seen in the case sample presented in this report, information technology professionals face unique ethical questions that are not readily resolved by existing business ethics principles. Thus, in conclusion, it is recommended that a professional information technology code of ethics and conduct be established."
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of whether or not the Internet is a communications tool that promotes democracy and civic culture. The writer discusses whether the Internet represents merely another tool of the wealthy elites to control society. The writer also examines the possibility that the Internet undermines egalitarian participatory democracy.
From the Paper "The growing gap between the elite wealthy and powerful groups in society and the marginalized disenfranchised groups jeopardizes the factionalism founder James Madison felt was good for democracy. As Schuler asserts, as the domination by large economic interests increases, the idea of rough quality that democracy represents becomes increasingly degraded. Factionalism argued that competing interest groups fighting for resources would result in a checks and balances system that would promote democracy. Until the advent of the Internet and World ... "
Tags: Howard Dean, computer professionals, collaboration, top-down, bottom-up, status quo, social institutions, media
Abstract This paper rationalizes why environmental planning should be deemed as professional as engineers. It discusses certain professions such as practitioners of environmental planning and stewardship and if they are deemed as professional or not. It defines the term professionalism from several points of view and studies the meaning of a healthful environment. It discusses the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and some bills which they have passed. Finally, it concludes by stating that the EPA is in fact a professional organization that serves as the governing board of all environmental practitioners.
From the Paper "Is there a clear indication of what it is to be a professional? Traditionally the practice has been that there is the underlying responsibility of a self-regulating body which looks at a practice through mandated rules, responsibilities, and ethics, applying accreditation to educational systems and certification to practicing individuals. This process is constantly evolving and expanding to include new disciplines, most notably the creation of a College of Teachers, and other such initiatives to develop a "professional" label for their particular discipline. A similar process can be depicted for the environmental field, with the creation of the Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environmental Industry, the growing need in the employment scene for Environmental Engineer and Certified Professional Planners. However this evolving change in Canadian industry brings up an interesting question, can you be considered a "professional" without appropriate certification?"
Abstract This paper reviews the history of social work as a profession, from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. This paper takes a look at how social work has developed into two models of service, social activism and casework, and the impact these models have had on social work as a profession.
From the Paper "In this ideal, a Protestant women who represented conservative economics of thrift and Social Darwinism softened by a missionary creed Christian love, and good intentions, would go into urban environments and aid the poor with clothing, better housing, and food, but often only if the poor were willing to reform their intemperate or immoral ways. As Darwin grew increasingly popular in the common intellectual currency of the land, however, these women were encouraged not just to be Christian but to seek to follow "scientific principles as they were then understood," to "study and investigate relief applications, separate the recipients into deserving or undeserving classes and then treat them by making referrals and providing them with friendship." (Huff, Social Work, 2000, Ch.1, p.4)
The idea of the deserving and undeserving poor, however, showed that despite the zeal of some organizers such as Day, who critiqued city laws and housing policy, there was a strong element of individualistic moral judgment in these early 'cases' studied by 'friendly visitors.' The personal, moral psychology of the poor was seen partially to blame in the impoverished individual's plight, although the idea of deserving poor people suggested, if not explicitly acknowledged, that the poor could suffer from want for reasons beyond their personal control. "
