Professionals in organizations: Some research suggestions

The conventional view of research holds that researchers subscribe to norms of independence and individualism. In turn, these norms help shape the professionals' perceptions, attitudes, and ultimately their behavior. Most of the literature on professionals in organizations has emphasized the inherent incompatibility between professional norms and organizational demands. Despite its attractiveness and popularity, this conventional view may be inaccurate. In particular, research may be undergoing profound changes in its institutional character. There seem to be at least four forces acting to transform research into something primarily concerned with specific material objectives, or missions: i) the nature of research — its goal orientation and administration; ii) the ubiquitous demand for social relevance; iii) the anti-technology, anti-research value stance being assumed by an increasing proportion of our population; and iv) the decreasing challenge and attractiveness of scientific research, as viewed by those entering the R&D community. One of the ways by which the transformation of scientific research will be manifested is in the behavior of the professionals. Specifically, such technical organizations as industrial R&D firms, hospitals, and think tanks will develop norms and behaviors consistent with the traditional organizational demands, and less with the traditional professional ethos. The discussion concludes by identifying and describing several research propositions that merit empirical investigation.