Professional Associations, Guardians of Excellence or Pawns in Governance?

By Ekaale Ekuam 

In a rapidly changing world filled with multiple challenges, professional associations have remained steadfast over time as pillars of excellence, knowledge, and advocacy. From areas spanning law, education, engineering, medicine to the more disciplined forces, these associations boast memberships of highly skilled individuals who are often considered the best in their respective fields. The nagging question, however, is whether these associations serve their members and advance their interests, and what their relative levels of effectiveness are vis-à-vis governance challenges, especially in those involving dealing with governments.

At their core, professional associations are supposed to be about service to their membership, a means of advocating high standards, providing continuous professional development, and acting as one voice on matters critical to membership. Around the globe, bodies like the American Medical Association (AMA), International Bar Association (IBA), and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) have set benchmarks in driving industry standards, shaping policy, and encouraging best ethical practices.

For example, the AMA has been at the helm of drafting and proposing health policies in the United States while articulating for physicians and patients alike. Similarly, the IBA gives a platform where lawyers from around the globe come to contribute toward human rights and advise on conflicting legal matters. These associations have groomed not only professional growth but also contributed to governance through their advisory role in policy and ensured that the rule of law and standards were upheld to the letter.

Their effectiveness in governance, however, cuts both ways, in the sense that the same association which might be crucial in the formulation and advocacy of policies finds its influence mitigated in the wake of political dynamics and contested interests. Take, for example, in Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, which from time to time has been at the forefront in calling for legal reforms and adherence to the rule of law. However, these efforts have sometimes been dogged by political interference and power play within the ranks.

In South Africa, SAMA has also experienced similar tussles. Essentially a critical body of medical professionals, sometimes its efforts to advocate have been stymied by the reluctance of the government to engage on critical issues, such as health care funding and policy reform. That tension underlines one of the intrinsic frailties in professional associations, while it is true they carry both the expertise and official mandates to effect change, often their ability to do so will depend on political will and coherence of membership.

Be that as it may, a number of professional associations have made remarkable strides in pushing their mandates home and steering round thorny issues of governance. For instance, the Royal College of Nursing in the UK has been an outspoken voice on behalf of the rights of nurses and the care of patients. The same organization has fought for improved pay, working conditions, and policies on issues that respect the safety and quality of healthcare. RCN stands as a model for proactive engagement with policymakers, while supported by a wide membership base, which is instructive to other associations.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is also known internationally for championing alternative means of conflict resolution. Due to its high standards and in-depth training, CIArb has been in a position to ensure that arbitration increases credibility and effectiveness in conflict resolution and has set a good example for other associations intending to shape governance and policy.

However, this is not always an amicable relationship-the associations may clash with the political class whenever their stances threaten the policies of the government or expose corruption. In Kenya, the LSK has several times been at loggerheads with the government over matters touching on issues of judicial independence and human rights. These confrontations, as much as they may be necessary in certain circumstances, tend to strain relations and limit influence.

On the international plane, the ABA also experienced backlash from the nation's political leadership in its advocacy over contentious issues, such as judicial appointments and immigration policy. Conflicts of this nature demonstrate the fine line that professional associations must draw between the advancement of their members' interests and the political realities.

These professional associations form indispensable pillars in the spheres of their practice, whether in Kenya, Africa, or globally. They maintain standards, encourage professional growth, and ensure good governance. Their work, however, is normally hindered by internal divisions, political interferences, and the wider socio-political environment where they are situated.

Indeed, for such associations to blossom and meet their mandate, they have a lot to learn from the best practices of, for example, the RCN and CIArb, that it is unity and toughness in adversity that carry an association through treacherous waters of governance to stand as sentinels, ever protective of excellence and ethics in their respective jurisdictions.

The benchmark for the best is to remember that a professional association draws strength not only from its advocacy provided to its membership but also in serving as a bridge to the professional community and the governance structures shaping our world. It is in this delicate balancing scale that the future of professional associations lies.

Maintain a Professional standing for a better future.

The Author,

Is a Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.