Which statement best describes the basic difference between professional associations and unions?

Which statement best describes the basic difference between professional associations and unions?

• A. Unions advance the interests of their members, while professional associations regulate government policy.
• B. Unions ensure ongoing professional development, while associations set wage rates.
• C. Unions advance the interests of their members, while professional associations control the quality of service provided by their members.
• D. Unions certify professional qualifications, while associations promote social activities.

Answer: (C)

Unions and professional associations serve different purposes in the workforce. Unions focus on representing and advancing the interests of workers—negotiating wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security, and protecting members’ rights on the job. They aren’t responsible for how professional work is performed or for setting standards of practice. Professional associations, in contrast, establish and uphold the standards for the profession: codes of ethics, credentialing or licensing requirements, continuing professional development, and quality control over the services provided by their members. They monitor practice quality and can discipline members to maintain public trust. So the best description is that unions advance the interests of their members, while professional associations control the quality of service provided by their members. The other statements mix up roles—professional associations don’t regulate government policy, unions don’t set wage rates or ensure ongoing professional development in the sense of credentialing, and associations don’t primarily promote social activities.

Unions and professional associations serve different purposes in the workforce. Unions focus on representing and advancing the interests of workers—negotiating wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security, and protecting members’ rights on the job. They aren’t responsible for how professional work is performed or for setting standards of practice. Professional associations, in contrast, establish and uphold the standards for the profession: codes of ethics, credentialing or licensing requirements, continuing professional development, and quality control over the services provided by their members. They monitor practice quality and can discipline members to maintain public trust.

So the best description is that unions advance the interests of their members, while professional associations control the quality of service provided by their members. The other statements mix up roles—professional associations don’t regulate government policy, unions don’t set wage rates or ensure ongoing professional development in the sense of credentialing, and associations don’t primarily promote social activities.