The criticism of work done by predecessors is not unique to specific professions like plumbers, electricians, or builders. It is a common phenomenon observed in various industries and fields. There are several reasons why professionals might criticize the quality of work done by others:
Different Standards: Different professionals might have varying standards of workmanship. What one person considers acceptable might not meet the expectations of another. Professionals who take pride in their craft and have high standards might be more critical of work they perceive as subpar.
Lack of Knowledge or Skill: Sometimes, the criticism could be valid if the previous work was indeed poorly done. Incompetent or unskilled workers might leave behind shoddy work that needs to be rectified by the next professional, leading to criticism.
Corrections and Improvements: As technology, materials, and building practices evolve, newer methods might be seen as better or more efficient. This can lead professionals to criticize older work that doesn't meet modern standards.
Pride in Their Craft: Skilled professionals often take pride in their work and strive for excellence. When they encounter work that doesn't meet their standards, they might feel compelled to speak up.
Blame Shifting: In some cases, professionals might criticize the work of their predecessors to deflect blame from themselves if they encounter difficulties or issues on the job.
Lack of Communication: If the work was not adequately documented or there was no clear communication between professionals, the current worker might not fully understand the decisions made by their predecessors, leading to criticism.
It's important to note that not all professionals constantly criticize the work of their predecessors. There are many cases where professionals respect and acknowledge good work done by others. However, instances of criticism tend to stand out more, which can create a perception that it is more prevalent than it actually is.
Ultimately, the degree of criticism varies from person to person and depends on the individual's attitude, experience, and professional ethics. There are certainly cases where professionals recognize and appreciate quality work done by their predecessors, especially when it aligns with their own standards and principles.