Professionalism, Professionalization, and Bias in the Commercial Human Relations Consulting Operation: A Survey Analysis

Abstract

mine policies and practices of consulting firms that deal with human factor problems. The survey was designed in response to an apparent dearth of reported quantitative data concerning the nature, scope, and methods of such firms. While analyzing the responses, we encountered many unsolicited references to professional ethics and practices.1 Our object here is to document structural, operational, and attitudinal factors which we interpret as indicators of a propensity toward bias in the commercial consulting operation. In relation to this, we attempt to determine the extent to which the respondents' expressions of professionalism2 are related to a move toward professionalization3 of the consulting field4 which might be beneficial to the extent that it affords consultants the autonomy necessary to ensure against bias.