Professional Generalism in a Hyper-Specialised World - by Nektarios Karanikas (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book challenges the notion that extreme professional expertise is the only path to success, advocating instead for the concept of 'professional generalism' as a complementary approach. It brings together ideas from various disciplines, offering insights relevant to all professionals, regardless of specialisation. The chapters of the book explore concepts and frameworks that are not typically discussed together in a single work and challenge the reader to test and contextualise them.

The book aims to inspire professionals to explore principles beyond their usual scope and to recognise opportunities to integrate concepts from other disciplines into their practice. It encourages readers to consider how different approaches and perspectives can intersect and complement each other, breaking down professional silos and fostering a more interconnected way of thinking.

Rather than promoting simplistic or middle-ground solutions, the book emphasises the value of considering diverse perspectives and approaches, recognising that different contexts may require different paradigms. It encourages readers to embrace complexity and diversity, fostering a holistic and nuanced perspective essential for navigating today's interconnected professional landscapes.

From the Back Cover

This book challenges the notion that extreme professional expertise is the only path to success, advocating instead for the concept of 'professional generalism' as a complementary approach. It brings together ideas from various disciplines, offering insights relevant to all professionals, regardless of specialisation. The chapters of the book explore concepts and frameworks that are not typically discussed together in a single work and challenge the reader to test and contextualise them.

The book aims to inspire professionals to explore principles beyond their usual scope and to recognise opportunities to integrate concepts from other disciplines into their practice. It encourages readers to consider how different approaches and perspectives can intersect and complement each other, breaking down professional silos and fostering a more interconnected way of thinking.

Rather than promoting simplistic or middle-ground solutions, the book emphasises the value of considering diverse perspectives and approaches, recognising that different contexts may require different paradigms. It encourages readers to embrace complexity and diversity, fostering a holistic and nuanced perspective essential for navigating today's interconnected professional landscapes.

About the Author

Dr. Nektarios Karanikas is currently an Associate Professor in Health, Safety & Environment at Queensland University of Technology in Australia. He has over 28 years of experience in academia, the military, and industry. As an Aeronautical Engineering Officer in the Hellenic Air Force for more than 18 years, Dr Karanikas held leadership roles in aircraft maintenance, safety investigations, and quality assurance. Since transitioning to academia, he has conducted extensive work in ergonomics and human factors, and safety management systems.

Dr. Karanikas holds a BSc in Aviation Science, an MSc in Human Factors and Safety Assessment in Aeronautics, and a Doctorate in Safety and Quality Management. He is a Senior Fellow and an Associate Fellow (Indigenous Knowledges) of the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Dr Karanikas' research, characterised by its transdisciplinary nature, combines public health, engineering, management and social perspectives. Widely published in top journals, his work has attracted funding and led to impactful collaborations. He actively engages with industry and professional bodies, delivering invited talks, contributing to policy documents, and providing expert consultancy services. Dr Karanikas believes professionals should integrate diverse principles to enhance their practice, a concept explored in his book.