Table 1 Exploratory factor analysis

Factor 1: Sense of calling to the field

4

A person enters this profession because he likes the work

0.520

9

People in this profession have a real “calling” for their work

0.541

14

The dedication of people in this field is most gratifying

0.496

0.326

19

Professional training itself helps assure that people maintain their high ideals

0.304

0.366

0.306

24

It is encouraging to see the high level of idealism which is maintained by people in this field

0.240

0.523

29

Although many people talk about their high ideals, very few are really motivated by them

0.535

34

It is hard to get people to be enthusiastic about their work in this field

− 0.482

− 0.349

39

Most people would stay in the profession even if their incomes were reduced

0.293

− 0.531

44

Most of the real rewards of my work can’t be seen by an outsider

0.332

49

There are very few people who don’t really believe in their work

0.453

Factor 2: Autonomy

5

I make my own decisions in regard to what is to be done in my work

0.556

10

It is easier when someone else takes responsibility for decision making

0.644

15

I don’t have much opportunity to exercise my own judgment

− 0.398

0.438

− 0.318

20

I know that my own judgment on a matter is the final judgment

0.418

− 0.322

25

The fact that someone checks your decisions makes this work easier

0.576

30

When problems arise at work, there is little opportunity to use your own intellect

0.325

− 0.448

− 0.364

35

There is little autonomy in this work

− 0.518

40

My own decisions are subject to review

0.288

− 0.451

45

I am my own boss in almost every work-related situation

0.495

50

Most of my decisions are reviewed by other people

0.513

Factor 3: Using the professional organisation as a major referent

1

I systematically read the professional journals

0.553

6

I regularly attend professional meetings at the local level

0.485

11

I enjoy seeing my colleagues because of the ideas that are exchanged

0.495

0.303

16

I believe that the professional organization(s) should be supported

–

–

–

–

–

21

The most stimulating periods are those spent with colleagues

0.462

0.313

26

The professional organization doesn’t really do too much for the average member

0.301

− 0.470

31

The real test of how good a person is in his field is the layman’s opinion of him

− 0.398

36

Although I would like to, I really don’t read the journals too often

0.547

41

Most of my own friends are not fellow professionals

–

–

–

–

–

46

The profession doesn’t really encourage continued training

0.512

Factor 4: Belief in self-regulation

3

A person who violates professional standards should be judged by his professional peers

0.369

− 0.229

8

My fellow professionals have a pretty good idea about each other’s competence

0.395

13

There really aren’t any penalties for the person who violates professional standards

− 0.387

18

A problem in this profession is that no one really knows what his colleagues are doing

− 0.547

23

A basic problem for the profession is the intrusion of standards other than those which are truly professional

− 0.219

− 0.474

28

Violators of professional standards face fairly severe penalties

0.464

33

We really have no way of judging each other’s competence

− 0.521

38

The professional organization is really powerless in terms of enforcing rules

− 0.439

0.336

43

There is not much opportunity to judge how another person does his work

− 0.468

− 0.329

48

My colleagues pretty well know how well we all do in our work

0.445

Factor 5: Belief in public service

2

Other professions are actually more vital to society than mine

0.627

0.297

7

I think that my profession, more than any other, is essential for society

0.322

0.284

12

The importance of my profession is sometimes over stressed

0.637

17

Some other occupations are actually more important to society than is mine

0.512

0.363

22

Not enough people realize the importance of this profession for society

− 0.590

27

More occupations should strive to make a real contribution to society the way my own does

0.313

32

Any weakening of the profession would be harmful for society

0.707

37

The benefits this profession gives to individuals and society are underestimated

0.471

42

It is impossible to say that any occupation is more important than any other

–

–

–

–

–

47

If ever an occupation is indispensable, it is this one

0.351