What defines the standards of acceptable behavior in a professional setting?

The code of ethics is a formal document that outlines the values, principles, and standards of acceptable behavior within a professional setting. It serves as a guideline for professionals to navigate ethical dilemmas and make decisions that align with the integrity of their profession. A code of ethics typically includes expectations regarding honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility, helping to foster trust and accountability among professionals and their clients or colleagues. By establishing clear standards, it not only dictates appropriate conduct but also helps to protect the reputation of the profession as a whole.

While the other options refer to frameworks that can guide behavior, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive nature of a code of ethics. Guidelines may suggest practices and procedures, but they lack the ethical weight and rigor of a code. Standards of practice can set technical expectations, but they often focus more on the skills required rather than the ethical implications of professional behavior. Behavioral norms reflect the unwritten rules of a group but may vary widely without the formalization that a code of ethics provides.