ABSTRACT
There are different views about the nature and purpose of professions and their professional associations. The ‘altruistic’ approach regards professions as providing services which make a distinctive contribution to the smooth operation of society, that they possess specialist knowledge and self-discipline, and that the high level of prestige and financial reward enjoyed are a fair price for these services. The ‘cynical’ assessment is that the professions comprise groups of individuals pursuing self-interest, striving to convince others of their entitlement to professional recognition and reward, and doing a job which is just enough to satisfy clients and maintain their professional status. It is an approach which sees the accountant as ‘street wise’ profit maximiser rather than a selfless servant of society.
