The effects of government initiatives on the professionalization of occupations

Over the past 15 years a series of federal initiatives and laws have changed the nature of the way that the federal government conducts business. One impact of these changes has been a concentration on the professionalization of certain occupations within the federal government, monitored by the federal government, or supported by the federal government. A review of these laws and the literature on professionalization of occupations is provided. Then examples of federal influence on the professionalization of three fields are provided: library paraprofessionals, victim services providers, and contract specialists. Finally, the implications of the federal government influence on professionalization for human resource management are discussed.