The Professionalization of Positional Responsibility
Positional responsibility is one of the primary foundations of a successful organization, providing an efficient way for an organization to accomplish its goals and objectives. When effectively implemented, positional responsibility can help create and sustain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, as individuals are enabled and empowered to take ownership of the tasks and activities that contribute to the success of the organization. However, for positional responsibility to be truly effective, it must be professionalized.
What does it mean to professionalize positional responsibility? Professionalizing positional responsibility refers to the process of recognizing the critical importance of that type of responsibility and developing and implementing specific frameworks, processes and practices to ensure it is effectively carried out. The professionalization of positional responsibility is often driven by job descriptions, performance appraisals and training, while at the same time engaging in small changes to the behavioural norms in the organization that promote an understanding and respect for delegated responsibility.
Professionalizing positional responsibility is an important aspect of fostering a culture where accountability and deliberation are encouraged and expected. Job descriptions should clearly outline the tasks and duties associated with a given position, as this helps to ensure that each individual knows what is expected of them. Performance appraisals should provide feedback on how well an individual has fulfilled their responsibility and help to identify areas for improvement. Training should be provided to ensure that individuals are prepared to handle their delegated responsibilities and to ensure that any changes to the organization’s operational structure or processes are understood and incorporated into the individual performance appraisals.
Another important aspect of professionalization of positional responsibility is an overall shift in the corporate culture. This shift should focus on accountability, transparency and ethically sound decision-making in order to ensure that those in positions of responsibility are aware of and uphold the highest standards in their dealings with the organization and its stakeholders. This shift in corporate culture can be fostered by actively engaging in communication and dialogue with employees and inviting feedback on organizational practices.
Organizations should also consider establishing systems of measurement that allow for position-specific evaluation. These systems can help to identify areas where individuals are falling short, as well as areas where they are excelling. Additionally, by establishing a system of feedback and assessment, organizations can ensure that the expectations they have of individual positions are being met and that any changes in organizational processes or operations are properly taken into account.
Overall, the professionalization of positional responsibility is essential for the success of any organization. It is a collaborative process which requires a concerted effort from all levels of the organization to create an environment where people are enabled and empowered to take ownership of their positions and hold themselves and others accountable for their decisions. Professionalization of positional responsibility also requires the development of practices, processes and systems which ensure that individuals in positions of responsibility are delivering the highest level of results. By engaging in the professionalization of positional responsibility, organizations can create a culture of performance and accountability, which is essential for bolstering their competitive advantage in the marketplace.
