Professionalism and ethics in a changing economy

Professional responsibilities in a complex and contested work environment are constantly being reshaped by a changing economic, environmental and social context. Responsibility and accountability have become more diffuse, and they reside with a wider group including professionals and professional organizations. The codes, charters and laws of several built environment professional organizations in the United Kingdom and Germany are examined for ethical principles and guidance. The allocation of responsibility for acting in the public interest rests with both the individual professional and the professional organizations, but many professionals experience an ethical void due to little guidance from their institutions. To address this problem, an ethical framework is constructed for professionals, allowing ethical issues to be considered in a structured, practical way. Consideration is also given to how to foster conditions for professionals to take personal responsibility for ethical behaviour, including the idea of personal responsibility for the Other. An overarching concept of civic professionalism can guide professional behaviour. A set of guiding ethical principles for professional practice can stimulate both individual professionals and their professional organizations to fulfil this key role better, as well as challenging the latter to fulfil their leadership role and responsibilities in professional practice and civic society.