ABSTRACT
For every incompetent professional, there are probably several who are competently doing the wrong thing. The apparent contradiction stems from the application of two different sets of criteria: one relatively narrow set of criteria judges competence according to the task rather than the occupational role, the broader set judges right and wrong according to the most beneficial outcomes for the client. Sometimes, however, it is possible to argue that the criteria being used to judge competence are those which prevail, or at least are commonly found, within the profession; while a client-centred perspective still judges ‘competent’ behaviour as wrong. In these circumstances, prepar ing the professionals of the future is highly problematic. Research on professional socialization (Lacey, 1988) suggests that they are more likely to follow what they see than what they are taught.
