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The Decline in Professionalism -A Threat to the Future of AAPG*
By
Stephen A. Sonnenberg1
Search and Discovery Article #70010 (2004)
*Adapted from Presidential Address presented at AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas, April 18, 2004 (a version also in AAPG Explorer, May, 2004, p. 3, 24-25)
1AAPG President, 2003-2004; Westport Resources Corporation, Denver, Colorado ([email protected])
Declining professionalism is a threat to the future of AAPG. Professionalism in the geosciences is declining for several reasons.
The attitude of some employees and companies has in general shifted to short-term outlooks and anything to maximize the profit (the end justifies the means, regardless). Some employees often take the easiest way out, or finish the task at hand with the minimum amount of effort. The marginalization of the petroleum geoscientist in many companies is particularly troublesome. The overall support that industry gives professional societies is also decreasing.
Professional ethics have deteriorated along with the attitude. One can pick up any news periodical and read about corporate malfeasance or individual impropriety.
The education background of today's professionals may not be sufficient for an ever-changing industry -- and a lack of proper training and mentors compounds the problem.
Society often does not recognize professions such as petroleum geology. The poor public image of the petroleum industry contributes to the problem, because this lack of recognition keeps young individuals from entering the business.
Success as measured by society is often by monetary gain only. What kind of house do you own? What kind of car do you drive? Different types of recognition would greatly aid in professional development. Success is defined as a favorable or desired outcome and is not necessarily tied to money alone.
Because of the above perceptions, I submit to you that one of the threats to AAPG is declining professionalism.
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uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
uGeologists, science & professions uAnswers to declining professionalism
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Geologists, Science, and Professions
Geologists are both scientists and professionals. The late Charlie Dodge used to describe geology as the "oldest" profession. Science pertains to accumulated knowledge. Geology is derived from Greek: ge- for "the earth" and logos for "science." Geology is the study of the earth, its history, and the processes that shape it. The term was first used in this sense by Jean-Andre de Luc in 1778. Professions are vocations or occupations requiring advanced education and training in some liberal art or science, and usually involving mental rather than manual work, such as teaching, engineering, geology, medicine, law, or theology, etc. and often for a monetary gain. The earliest meaning of "profess" comes from those professing the vows of a religious order. Clergy professed a duty to God. Professionalism meant the act of professing. Late in the 17th century, "profession" took on a secular meaning and was extended to medicine and law. In the 19th century it was extended to surveying and engineering. Today it is often used as a principal calling or vocation, or employment. Competitive athletes paid for their performances are referred to as professional, a far cry from its original meaning.
Professions exist to serve society. Some characteristics of a profession are: · Develop and maintain a specialized body of knowledge. · Establish a unique subculture (distinguished from the society they serve). · Develop a vocabulary and establish journals. · Historical record of notable members. · Existence of professional societies, which establish admission requirements and hold members to high technical and ethical standards (codes of ethics or conduct). · Governmental recognition (definition clauses in statutes or licensure requirements).
Professionals profess the nature of their specialty. The AAPG constitution contains the statement "Geology is a profession, and the privilege of practice requires professional morality and professional responsibility." Geology as a profession got its start in the late 18th century. Some examples of the early history is work done by James Hutton (Figure 1) in 1785 with his paper, "The Theory of the Earth," and Sir Charles Lyell (Figure 2) with his 1829 book, Principles of Geology and the principle of Uniformitarianism. The oldest geological society is The Geological Society (of London), founded in 1807 with the aim of "investigating the mineral structure of the Earth." The first meeting resolved: “That there be forthwith instituted a Geological Society for the purpose of making geologists acquainted with each other, of stimulating their zeal, of inducing them to adopt one nomenclature, of facilitating the communications of new facts, and of ascertaining what is known in their science and what remains to be discovered.” William Smith (Figure 3) prepared the first geologic map, which presented the ordering of strata by fossils. The oldest geological survey is the British Geologic Survey, which was established in 1835.
AAPG is both a professional and a scientific society. The scientific purposes of AAPG are to: · Advance the science of petroleum geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources; · Promote technology of exploring for, finding, and producing these products in an economically and environmentally sound manner; · Foster the spirit of scientific research throughout its membership; · Disseminate information relating to petroleum geology and the associated technology of petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources.
The professional purposes of AAPG are to provide the public with a means to: · Recognize adequately trained and professionally responsible persons, · Inspire and maintain a high standard of professional conduct on the part of its members, · Advance the professional well being of its members.
Having a code of ethics and educational and experience requirements for membership makes AAPG a professional society. Removing these requirements would make us a scientific society.
People are qualified for Active membership in AAPG by being engaged in the practice or teaching of geology, having a degree in geological sciences, and having work experience in the geological sciences.
So what exactly is professionalism? My year as president of AAPG has the pyramids of Egypt (our international meeting in Cairo) at the beginning and the pyramids of the Mayas (the international meeting in Cancun) at the end. Along the way I reviewed John Wooden's pyramid of success that he used on his championship basketball teams and AAPG's pyramid of benefits for members. Therefore, with this pyramidal influence, I present here a pyramid (Figure 4) of the qualities of a professional person.
One of the cornerstones of professionalism is integrity. Integrity is a firm adherence to a code of values. You must have a code that you live by. Bob Megill described integrity as "taking what you believe to be true and honest and letting it be reflected in your actions."
The other cornerstone of the pyramid is competence. Competence is a product of education, training and experience. Colette Bowe candidly stated that “No letters after your name are ever going to be a total guarantee of competence any more than they are a guarantee against fraud. Improving competence involves continuing professional development …That is the really crucial thing, not just passing an examination.”
Between these cornerstones are other qualities that help form the foundation. Honesty is fairness and straightforwardness of conduct. It is adherence to the facts. It is the refusal to lie, steal, or deceive. A quote from Benjamin Franklin is to the point: “A lie stands on one leg, the truth on two.”
Ethics is also known as moral philosophy. It is the discipline of right and wrong, good and bad. It is conforming to standards of conduct. A French proverb translates as follows: “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”
Attitude is commitment to hard work, commitment to achieve and maintain competence. It is having pride in your work. Christopher Reeve has said, “You play the hand you’re dealt. I think the game’s worthwhile.”
Overlying the base are many other important qualities that mark a professional. Trustworthy means you are worthy of confidence, you are dependable, and you avoid conflicts of interest. Appropriate Goethe words are: “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”
Responsible means you are able to answer for your conduct and obligations. You are marked by accountability. To quote Henri Frederic Amiel: “To shun one’s cross is to make it heavier.”
Loyalty means you are faithful to a course, knowing who and what you have allegiance to. You maintain confidentiality. In the words of Woodrow T. Wilson, “Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.
Initiative is the energy or aptitude displayed in the initiation of an action. It is the ability to make decisions and take action. Will Rogers mused, “Even if you’re on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
The next layer starts with candor. It is fairness or freedom from prejudice, marked by impartiality. You are free from self-interests, favoritism, or malice. A quote from Benjamin Disraeli: “ There is no wisdom like frankness.”
Confidence is belief in yourself. It is the quality or state of being certain. It is the belief that one will act in the right, proper way. William Haylitt said, “As is our confidence so is our capacity.”
Constant growth means that you are constantly learning, maintaining, and improving skills. You subscribe to the theory of learning something new each day. To quote Jim Rohn: “Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you’ve got.
The next layer begins with diligence. It is your commitment to hard work. It is characterized by steady, energetic effort. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” are the practical words of Thomas Edison.
Respect is an attitude of deference, admiration, and regard. It is being polite, kind, and considerate. William Shakespeare’s famous words are most relevant: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
The top of the pyramid is marked by enthusiasm. You must like what you are doing and have your heart into it. You inspire zeal or fervor by your actions. Be enthusiastic until it positively thrills you. Have enthusiasm for life and radiate it outward. Enthusiasm is a quality that nourishes success. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm."
Answers to Declining Professionalism The answers to declining professionalism are fairly simple: · Practice professionalism every day. · Examine the conducts or qualities that mark a professional person. · Support your profession by getting active in your professional society.
Remember that professions are advanced through professional organizations. "Constant and never ending improvement" is a motto to live by. Education obviously comes in many forms. The academic world needs to continuously update its programs to ensure top quality graduates -- and employees need to keep current by attending continuing education events. School is never out for the professional. Spend some of your time mentoring to young, soon-to-be professionals or students. Professionals must get involved outside their profession to earn the respect of the public. Public recognition will enhance the image of the profession and help attract new people into the profession. We also need to promote the old concept of "long termism." I believe many of our problems associated with declining professionalism involve "the short-term outlook." |
