Norms of Professional Behavior in Highly Speclalized Organizations: The Case of American Zoos and Aquariums

Abstract

Three attitude dimensions are apparent among zoological managers. They concern professional ethics, organization, and responsibility toward animals. In this article, four models of the acceptance of professional norms are tested, and career-related goals are found to be the best predictors of such attitudes. Noneconomic goals seem to promote zoological professionalism, whereas entrepreneurial activities reduce support for generally accepted norms of behavior. The implications of these findings and possibilities for further research are discussed.