Does the concept of professionalism apply to the creative industries?

Game development is a huge global industry. It is made up of professionals from a variety of disciplines such as quality assurance testers, artists, animators, programmers, designers, project managers, marketers and many more, each playing a significant role in the quality and distribution of the final product. This multidisciplinary team must work together in a professional manner to uphold the integrity of the industry.

What is professionalism?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, professionalism is defined as follows:

1.  The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.

2.  The following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood.

“Professionalism is a combination of traits, skills, behaviours, and good judgment expected from an individual well-trained and well-adjusted to their career. Professionalism also involves adhering to a set of standards that are commonly practised among colleagues in the same workplace.” (Chris Kolmar, Zippia)

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Pillars of professionalism

In his book, Ethics and the professions, Joseph Migga Kizza refers to the four pillars of professionalism. These are:

·        Commitment

·        Integrity

·        Responsibility

·        Accountability

What do these mean in regard to the creative industries?

Commitment

We all know that life happens, and projects can be derailed and set back due to unforeseen circumstances. As a professional, you must strive to meet any commitments you have agreed to, even if this requires assistance from colleagues. Be open and honest with others about any problems you face and don’t be afraid to ask for support, transparency is key. If you are working within a team setting, be sure that all members fully understand what is expected of them and when tasks are expected to be completed.

Integrity

Sincerity in your work is essential in the creative industries. A professional should embody the following attributes:

·        Consistency

·        Trustworthiness

·        Honesty

·        Ethical Behaviour

The very foundation of the games industry is built on teamwork. During your career, you will undoubtedly be put in a position of upholding someone's trust in you. Whether you are being trusted with someone's idea, trusted that you will complete work to a high standard or that you will meet deadlines, it is imperative to the morale of your team that you honour this. Colleagues need to know that they can rely on their team to deliver on promises they have made, breaking this trust could invite conflict into the workplace which could have a massive negative impact on the outcome of a project or even your career.

Responsibility

Creative professionals have a responsibility to their team, their clients and wider society. Professional responsibility, within the game development industry specifically, means making sure that deadlines are met, setbacks are mitigated as much as possible, final products meet expectations and you maintain a high level of competence in the field by following technological advances and current industry news.

Accountability

As a professional, you must expect to be held accountable for your work. Accountability is vital to maintaining productivity within the workplace. Companies may have their own way of promoting accountability through the use of incentives or penalties.

Professional codes of conduct and ethical behaviour

The International game developers association (IGDA) has outlined the standards that all game development professionals should uphold. The code of ethics established by IGDA aims to promote these objectives:

·        To promote the growth of our industry and the growth of creative endeavors;

·        To cultivate a welcoming and supportive community of game developers;

·        To advocate for game developers and ensure their voices are heard;

·        To emphasize the role of empathy in understanding diverse perspectives and             experiences;

·        To foster inclusivity among game developers, studios, and games.

You can read more about these objectives here

W3C Ethical Guidelines details examples of expected and unacceptable behaviours on their website here. The main objectives of the W3C's code of ethics and professional conduct are as follows:

·        Define acceptable and expected standards of behaviour.

·        Provide a benchmark

·        Ensure transparency in community and group management

·        Ensure an environment where people can participate without fear of                              harassment

·        Contribute to the identity of the organization

Codes of conduct must be upheld to a high standard in all industries. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a working environment where everyone is treated equally and with respect. Mutual respect allows all parties to work together in a safe environment without fear of discrimination, prejudice and intimidation.

In her 2019 GDC talk, Celia Hodent expands on the subject of Ethics in the game industry. You can watch the full presentation here

Reputation

As a professional, your reputation precedes you, indiscriminate of whether it is good or bad. A professional reputation may be shown through client reviews or recommendations from former colleagues. Always endeavour to build a reputation you are proud of by following through on promises and always working to a high standard.