Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of professionalism?

Professionalism is defined by key traits that embody the values and ethics of a particular profession. Characteristics such as service to others, a theoretical body of knowledge, and a commitment to continuing education and lifelong learning are fundamental to establishing and maintaining professionalism.

Service to others highlights the altruistic aspect of many professions, indicating that the primary motivation is to assist and benefit clients or the community. A theoretical body of knowledge indicates that professionals are expected to have a deep understanding of the principles and theories relevant to their field, which informs their practice and decision-making. Continuing education and lifelong learning are vital in ensuring that professionals remain current with advancements in their field, enhancing their skills and effectiveness over time.

In contrast, personal profit motives do not align with the concept of professionalism. While earning a living is certainly a function of many professions, allowing personal gain to take precedence over service to others undermines the foundational principles of professionalism, which are centered around integrity, ethics, and service. Therefore, emphasizing personal profit does not reflect the core values of a professional standard, making it the correct answer to the question.