What Is Professionalism—Really?

Visualizing professionalism: A word burst highlighting the core values and traits that shape professional conduct.

Image generated by OpenAI’s DALL·E.

When I opened my leadership courses as a senior instructor in the military, I would often challenge my students with a provocative question:

“Is it your profession to compliment someone’s outfit? To yell at people? To make condescending remarks or jokes? To create an environment of distrust?”

Of course, these examples often sparked a laugh or a frown. But I used them deliberately. I wanted them to think. Because if these behaviors are not part of your profession, then why do some accept them as part of a professional environment?

That brings us to the real question:What is professionalism, really?Is it a catch-all for “I don’t like how you’re doing something”?Is it a code of conduct? A style of dress? A tone of voice?

The reality is: professionalism is not universal—it is shaped by culture, context, and power.

Defining Professionalism: A Moving Target

The most cited academic definition of professionalism is:

“A set of values, behaviors, and relationships that underpins the trust the public has in professionals” (Royal College of Physicians, 2005).

But that’s vague. So scholars have attempted to clarify it:

According to Cruess, Johnston, and Cruess (2004):

“Professionalism is a set of attitudes, values, behaviors, and relationships that serve as the foundation of the health profession’s contract with society.”

That still doesn't capture how it feels in real time—especially when professionalism is often reduced to “tone policing,” attire, or emotional restraint.

Culture & Context: The Missing Pillars

In America, showing up “on time” is seen as professional.In parts of West Africa, Southeast Asia, or even Latin America, being late isn’t always disrespectful—it’s contextual.In Japan, bowing may be more appropriate than a firm handshake. In Germany, directness is valued. In the southern U.S., softening your tone is seen as respectful. In New York? Not so much.

What is considered “professional” in Texas casual may be “sloppy” in Chicago formal. Wearing jeans with a button-down in Fort Worth might scream confident executive. Try that in Boston’s financial district, and it might say unprepared intern.

“Culture is not an overlay to professionalism. It is the frame through which professionalism is expressed.”—Hofstede (2001), Culture's Consequences

The Fallacy of “Nice” = Professional

Passive-aggressiveness cloaked in smiles. Condescension dressed as “just being honest.”These are not professional—just masked dysfunction.

Being kind, empathetic, and clear is professional. But so is being firm, directive, and uncompromising—when the situation demands it. Respect doesn’t always wear a smile.

“Civility is not the same as passivity. A professional tone can be direct, even blunt, so long as it respects the humanity of the person receiving it.”—Brookfield, S. D. (2013). Teaching for Critical Thinking

Professionalism vs. Character Flaws

Let’s be clear: professionalism is often used as a mask for:

• Unspoken cultural bias

• Tone policing

• Classism

• Gendered expectations

If you raise your voice, you’re “unprofessional.”But if someone ignores your request, you’re supposed to smile and try again?That’s not professionalism. That’s submission masquerading as decorum.

“Sometimes what is labeled as a lack of professionalism is really a clash of cultural values or a response to systemic disrespect.”—Sue, D. W., et al. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life

Military Lesson: Professionalism Requires Emotional Intelligence

In the Army, we were taught discipline, structure, and communication. But even in that strict environment, we recognized:

• You don’t yell just because you’re mad.

• You don’t belittle just because you have rank.

• You lead with example, not ego.

One of the most profound lessons I learned was during a leadership development course. A young sergeant was being publicly corrected by a senior leader for a uniform infraction. Rather than embarrass him, the leader pulled him aside and said:

“You wear this uniform to represent something greater than yourself. Fix it with pride, not shame.”

That was professionalism. Not a tone. Not a punishment. A moment of growth, delivered with dignity.

The Heart of Professionalism: Cultural Respect

Professionalism without cultural respect is colonialism in a suit.You cannot demand others adopt your standard of “right” behavior in an environment that was never designed with their identity in mind.

The real standard is:

Respect the environment. Honor the people in it. And align your behaviors to support the mission—not just your comfort.

Conclusion: Let’s Redefine It

So what is professionalism?

Professionalism is a culturally responsive, emotionally intelligent, value-driven behavior that upholds integrity, clarity, and mutual respect—tailored to the environment, not just a personal preference or organizational bias.

And if I’m wrong?It might be by your opinion, your culture, or your institutional policy.But that only proves the point—professionalism is not one-size-fits-all.

Supporting Sources

• Brookfield, S. D. (2013). Teaching for Critical Thinking: Tools and Techniques to Help Students Question Their Assumptions. Jossey-Bass.

• Cruess, R. L., Johnston, S., & Cruess, S. R. (2004). “Professionalism for medicine: Opportunities and obligations.” Medical Journal of Australia, 180(4), 208–211.

• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

• Royal College of Physicians. (2005). Doctors in Society: Medical Professionalism in a Changing World. RCP.

• Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62(4), 271–286. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.4.271