Professionalism, Organizationalism and Sur-moralism: Three ethical systems for physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Professionalism Studies
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• The term 'professionalism' has expanded in use and shifted in meaning over 50 years.
• This semantic shift risks diminishing its analytical value, turning it into an empty evaluative label.
• Existing definitions of professionalism may not adequately address the complexities of modern healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redefine professionalism by delineating its boundaries with related ethical concepts.
• To introduce and define two new ethical domains: organizationalism and sur-moralism.
• To provide a conceptual model clarifying the relationships and distinctions between these ethical domains for physicians.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the term 'professionalism'.
• Introduction of neologisms 'organizationalism' and 'sur-moralism' to categorize distinct ethical obligations.
• Development of a conceptual model illustrating the three ethical domains and their interrelationships.

Main Results:

• Professionalism is defined as a system of obligations assumed by physicians towards patients and colleagues.
• Organizationalism encompasses obligations owed to the employing organization.
• Sur-moralism includes discretionary, non-obligatory actions that are potentially meritorious.

Conclusions:

• The proposed typology helps physicians understand the nature and sources of their obligations.
• This framework aids in prioritizing competing obligations and navigating ethical tensions.
• Clarifying these ethical domains enhances physicians' ethical orientation within their work settings.