Professional autonomy as a basis of conflict in an organization†

Abstract

Needed cutbacks in government and industry can lead to a situation where professionals have to operate where their autonomy is limited. How do they cope? Responses may include: “dubious” practice, the development and use of “simplified decision-rules,” “whistle-blowing,” reformism, and retreatism. Management can institutionalize a code-of-action that draws on the positive responses of the reformers and “decision simplifiers” and in this way better accommodate the need for both efficiency and professional integrity.