Definition

• The Business Dictionary defines professionalism as "meticulous adherence to undeviating courtesy, honesty and responsibility in one's dealings with customers and associates." It goes on to state that a professional strives to exceed the level of excellence required by law or commercial interests. Business professionalism isn't just about making money and impressing people. It also involves fundamental values of integrity, commitment and respect for oneself and the wider community.
  
  

Benefits

• Professionalism inspires confidence in coworkers, supervisors and customers. It can lead to promotions. It's profitable, as customers who are won over by a businessperson's professional demeanor will keep coming back, and spread the word to others. Moreover, professionalism in business will keep you out of trouble. Professional respect means establishing boundaries. Inappropriate joking, touching or sharing of personal information can create serious conflicts and even lead to legal action. Professionals know what's appropriate in the workplace and what isn't.
  
  

Gender Issues

• For centuries, business professionalism was defined by the attitudes and behaviors of the men who ran the businesses. While there are now laws against sex discrimination in the workplace and women have become a vital force in the business world, the differences between the genders still creates conflicts.
  
  According to Sherron Bienvenu, professor emerita at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, men expect women in the workplace to be motherly and nurturing. She advises female professionals to avoid doing anything that would encourage this perception--even something as minor as keeping jars of candies on their desks, which creates the perception that "this is where the food comes from."
  
  

Experience and Education

• Professionalism isn't generally taught in schools, so college graduates new to the workplace may not be clear on the concept, much to the chagrin of human resource managers. David Polk, a professor at York College in Pennsylvania, told National Public Radio that the school's Center for Professional Excellence surveyed hundreds of human resource managers and business leaders and found that "there are a set of qualities, characteristics that these people would like to see in new college graduates," including communication and listening skills, the ability to follow through on tasks and the ability to maintain a professional appearance.
  
  

Technology Issues

• While Internet access is an essential and ubiquitous tool in modern business, some companies worry that social media and other "fun" websites will distract employees and reduce productivity. However, social networking online can be as valuable to the business professional as networking in the real world. The core values of professionalism can easily guide workers about how to use social media in the workplace effectively and responsibly.