These are general guidelines on the subject of professionalism, presented with a view of assisting all candidates to embrace and build their professionalism and practice the key essentials of professionalism in their everyday workplace. The lists of essentials and characteristics are not prescriptive, and should be seen as guidelines for personal development and practice.

PERSONAL IMAGE IS IMPORTANT TO REFLECT A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE AT ALL WORKPLACES. A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT BASIC GUIDELINES TO ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL IMAGES FOLLOW.

• Punctuality – showing respect for the valuable time of others.
• Prompt compliance with superior’s instructions.
• Ensure pleasant presentation within appropriate dress codes.
• Arrival ready to work, appropriately dressed, with necessary tools.
• Demonstrate self control; avoid unnecessary conflict.
• Observe etiquette and be respectful regardless of perceived hierarchical differences; show respect for individual dignity.

PROFESSIONALISM IS A MEASURED APPROACH TO ALL ACTIVITIES AND IS MAINLY CENTERED ON 5 KEY DOMAINS OF CONDUCT:

• ETHICAL PRACTICE AND INTEGRITY
• RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTIONS
• TEAM WORK
• RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
• LANGUAGE AND PRESENTATION

ETHICAL PRACTICE AND INTEGRITY

• Complies fully with institute or council’s code of ethics (ECSA).
• Intellectual and personal honesty of the highest standard.
• Maintaining honest business relationships; generating trustworthiness
• Respect for other individuals and other points of view.
• Respect for private and public property.
• Demonstrating work ethic, reliability, and dependable team play.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTIONS

• Accountability and acceptance of responsibility for actions or inaction.
• Respect limits and boundaries of knowledge and refrain from professional opinions outside known level of competence.
• Seek assistance outside of known competencies.
• Follow through with commitments made; inform promptly where delays arise.
• Ensure due diligence is practiced in all professional services

TEAM WORK

• Develop trust and respect with and among team members.
• Engage honestly in debate around ideas.
• Show commitment to decisions and plans of action.
• Hold all team members accountable against each others’ plans.
• Focus on achieving collective results.
• Focus on high standards that are understood by all.

RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Courteous behaviour.
• Being fair in all dealings; avoid conflicts of interest.
• Being impartial and avoiding personal bias and intolerances.
• Respect individual dignity, autonomy and confidentiality.
• Taking account of wider social impacts in projects and all planning.

LANGUAGE

• Clarity and structure in dialogue and presentations.
• Succinct and to the point presentation of facts.
• Measured presentations especially if new persons to the subject on hand are present.
• Focus on the main subject at hand.
• Vocabulary to be of adequate standard.
• Judge level of jargon used to match the audience.
• Non-conflictive language.