The perception of the general public on the professional was the theme of the latest research carried out by the Malta Federation of Professional Associations, MFPA. Founded in 1971, MFPA is the only Federated professional body in Malta. It comprises 17 professional associations as full members and a further three as association members, representing more than 10,000 professionals in Malta.
The Federation always seeks to be at the forefront to contribute to policymaking which affects professionals and the citizens receiving their services. Towards the end of 2021 it commissioned Esprimi to carry out a research exercise to acquire a better understanding about the following aspects, amongst others, relating to professionals in Malta:
• The spontaneous association with the term 'Professional Services'
• The priorities considered when choosing a professional
• General perceptions relating to various professionals in Malta
• Means of looking for a professional
• Ways to tackle ethical matters
• Perceived rights and obligations of professionals and their clients
The sample, representing a spread of region and education level, comprised 501 adults who had used a service by a professional in the last 12 months.
The strongest association with the term 'Services by Professionals' was that of Physical and Mental Health Specialists. This association was more common amongst respondents aged above 35. Respondents aged 25-34 most commonly associated these services to qualified persons who own a license or warrant. The highest proportion of mentions amongst younger respondents, was that they are services given by persons with a certain level of education and academic background. Those having a primary level of educations mostly associated the term with medical professionals whilst respondents having a tertiary or higher education were more likely to associate the phrase with training, experience and license or warrant. Results gave an indication of a shift in the way the general public perceives who the professional is, which perhaps varies from the more traditional definition of this term.
When asked what priorities they consider when choosing a professional, the most frequently mentioned was having a sound work ethic (52.2% of total mentions), followed closely by having reasonable fees and thirdly, a good ability to communicate and speak in a way that the service user can understand. Having a strong work ethic was in the top 3 priorities across the board. Reasonable Fees also appeared as one of the top 3 priorities for respondents across all age groups except for those aged above 65, who felt that experience was an element with a high level of importance. The younger cohorts (18 to 34-year olds) were the most sensitive to fees.
Other than the aspects presented, respondents indicated that being knowledgeable and up-to-date in their field were other important attributes that were expected from a
professional. There were no significant differences in perceptions of professionals on the basis of age or level of education, except that affordability of professionals was rated lower by 35- to 44-year-olds and by those with a post-tertiary level of education.
When it came to choosing a professional, respondents indicated the importance of recommendations from others (61.9%) rather than following recommendations by other professionals (20.2%). A much smaller percentage opt for online recommendations through social media or online search engines.
When presented with various categories of professionals, respondents were asked to indicate, how often they believe that such professionals adhere to codes of professional
ethics. Mental Health Professionals received the best ratings with 82.8% believing this category of professionals often or always abides by the code of ethics followed closely by Health Professionals, 78.7%.
MFPA strongly feels that strict adherence to professional ethics is the ultimate guarantee of a high-quality service to the service user and the cornerstone of a relationship of trust between the professional and the clients/patients. This research further enhances MFPA’s strive to continue developing initiatives that accentuate the importance of professional ethics at a national level as well as increase awareness of the different professions where individuals can seek help and advice from.
The findings of this research will be presented at a seminar on Thursday 17 March, at the Cavalieri Art Hotel, 8:30 – 11:00am. Participants can register here
This project has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. It reflects the views only of the author and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Norma Camilleri is CEO of the Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA)