Which of the following best describes ethical standards?

Ethical standards are best characterized as guidelines that promote moral behavior and integrity. These standards serve as a framework for individuals and organizations to determine what is considered right and wrong in various situations. They are essential for fostering trust, accountability, and responsible conduct in professional environments. By encouraging ethical decision-making, these standards help to create a culture of integrity, contributing to the overall well-being of both individuals and society as a whole.

Unlike formal rules governed by law, ethical standards are not legally binding, thus providing flexibility for interpretation in different contexts. This distinguishes them from options that describe enforceable legal rules or narrowly scoped standards that apply only to specific professions. Rather, ethical standards act as broad principles applicable across various sectors, aiming to elevate moral conduct beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations.