Final answer:
The appropriate word to complete the sentence is 'responsibility,' reflecting a key element of professional self-regulation. Self-regulation additionally relates to self-efficacy and is indicative of a profession's maturity. In political terms, 'sovereignty' represents the highest form of political power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability, right, and responsibility of self-regulation are part of what transforms an association into a profession. The option (A) Responsibility best fills the blank, as it reflects the ethical and professional duty that individuals and organizations within a profession must manage their own behavior and practices. Self-regulation is a hallmark of professional practice and signifies a mature profession that has established standards, ethics, and practices that its members are expected to uphold without external enforcement.
This concept is related to self-efficacy, which is the belief in one's own abilities, and differs from willpower or an internal, versus external, locus of control. Moreover, it is distinct from the concepts of self-concept, self-control, and self-esteem, which pertain more to individual psychosocial aspects rather than professional attributes.
Furthermore, when discussing the highest form of political power, sovereignty (C) is often considered the utmost authority within a political context, indicating the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside sources or bodies. While authority and legitimacy are components of political power, sovereignty suggests a supreme level of authority and independence.