The purpose of this study is to extend the understanding of how professionals in modern organisations want to be managed. We especially investigate professionals changing industries to describe if, and how, aprofessional in this situation is becoming a professional again after the change. This to find connections between intrinsic motivation and attitudes towards professionalism on one side, and applicable managerial methodson the other. Best practice in managing professionals is traditionally considered to be non-invasive methodologies such as indoctrination and training. Beyond that, operational-level management is usually considered to be bound to fail.

The analysis suggests the following: A professional changing industry will become professional again. The driving force for becoming professional again is the strive for horisontal specialization, induced by higher education. Management of professionals needs to account for the integrity of the horizontal specialization of the professional. Relational management and intellectual discussions are central.