Ethically competent professionals

Abstract

This paper reviews an empirical research about the characteristics of highly qualified professionals on ethical competence, how it is practiced and the impact it has on the institutions where professionals work. This issue is a matter of higher education, professional practices and continuing education. Theories of competencybased education and theories of ethics shed light on findings about the dimensions of transverse competence when practicing ethical principles which in turn illustrated to be a conjunction of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that characterizes the competent professional and marks his/her life style. It demonstrates the need of continuing education of professionals with the purpose to strengthen this competence through reflective experiences and participative work.