Professional Development C H A P T E R 13 Professional Development Chapter 13

Outcomes Identify the elements of career development. Define ethics and morals. Formulate solutions to ethical dilemmas. Identify and describe ethics theories. (continued)

Outcomes (continued) Understand ecotourism, environmental ethics, and sustainability. Examine the role of social responsibility in leisure services.

Professional Development Skills and knowledge attained for personal development and career advancement Done for career preparation, advancement, networking, skill development, increased compensation, and self-fulfillment

University Accreditation Administered by NRPA 89 accredited programs in the United States Accredited degree programs exceed standards of academic quality

Certification Enhances professional status Usually requires continuing education Available in many areas Parks and recreation (CPRP) Therapeutic recreation (CTRS) Aquatics Meeting and event planning

Professional Memberships Discounted student rates Sources of information and knowledge in the field Internship and job announcement services

Continuing Education Builds competencies and advances career Available through local, state, and national conferences and workshops Measured in continuing education units (CEUs) 2.0 required every two years for CPRP certification One-hour workshop earns .1 CEUs

Career Progression Networking Internal and external advancement Build a diverse network of professionals. Make contacts through conferences and professional involvement. Internal and external advancement

Training and Development In-service training Mentoring A relationship in which a person with more experience provides guidance for a person with less experience Informal and formal relationships

Ethics Standards, behaviors, and principles that guide behaviors Derived from professional associations, the profession itself, community, and the agency Professionally driven

Morals Behavior that is guided by personal opinion Often driven by society or religion Morals formed by parents, teachers, religious leaders, community members Personally driven

Reasons for Unethical Behavior People do what is most convenient. People do what they must do to win. People rationalize their choices with relativism. People desensitize themselves to unethical behavior.

Ethical Transgressions Lying: “telling someone something we know not to be true with the intention of misleading them” (Howard and Korver 2008, 13) Deception: “failing to correct an inaccurate impression, feigning ignorance, not telling the whole truth, withholding information, sugarcoating the truth, or overusing tact” (Howard and Korver 2008, 17) (continued)

Ethical Transgressions (continued) Stealing: procurement of property that does not belong to you that is taken without permission from the owner Harm: putting a person or business at risk of injury or damage

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development People develop physically and morally throughout their life span. There are three levels and six stages of development. Each person must achieve one stage before moving on to the next.

Consequences Theory Behavior is dictated by outcomes or consequences. Actions are chosen that have the best possible outcomes for those involved. Utilitarianism is seeking the greatest good for the greatest number.

Kant’s Duty-Based Ethics Theory is obligation based. Actions should be taken that are good and right regardless of the consequences. Actions should be taken that are morally right and well intended.

Virtue Ethics Theory focuses on character and virtue rather than consequences and duty. Someone who has high character will act accordingly in ethical situations.

Code of Ethics Written document Outlines professional responsibilities, principles, values, and standards that are used to guide decisions and procedures Directs professionals in a way that is in the best interest of the agency’s constituents

Resolving Ethical Dilemmas Step 1: Define the ethical dilemma Step 2: Identify the associated ethical principle or value Step 3: Identify the stakeholders Step 4: Determine the desired outcomes Step 5: Determine goal or success indicator Step 6: Establish objectives and actions

Ethical Issues Conflicts of interest Person’s role at odds with best interest of the agency Establishing a policy can help prevent conflicts of interest Religion is difficult to use to solve ethical problems due to wide variety of religions (continued)

Ethical Issues (continued) Gift: item of value given with no expectation of return Bribe: cash or other item of value given to persuade or induce an action Kickback: illegal payback from a previous exchange

Social Responsibility Ethical philosophy or approach to doing business in which decisions are made and actions are taken to contribute to the welfare of the community. Organizations dedicated to being socially responsible seek to improve the quality of life for people and communities.

Environmental Ethics Responsible conduct in the best interest of the natural environment Greener society Reduced carbon footprint Ecotourism Responsible travel to natural areas Promotes conservation of nature and sustains the well-being of those in the community