What is a code of conduct?

A code of conduct is fundamentally a comprehensive framework that establishes the expected behaviors and ethical standards for employees within an organization. It serves as a critical tool for guiding employee behavior, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring that individuals understand the values and principles that the organization upholds. By clearly outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, a code of conduct helps to prevent misconduct and promote a culture of integrity and respect.

The focus on ethical standards distinguishes a code of conduct from an employee handbook, which typically emphasizes various company policies without necessarily delving deeply into ethical guidelines. Additionally, while laws regulating workplace practices do exist, these legal requirements do not encapsulate the voluntary commitment to ethical behavior that a code of conduct represents. Lastly, a description of employee job responsibilities identifies specific duties and roles but does not cover the broader ethical and behavioral expectations outlined in a code of conduct. Thus, the focus on guiding behavior and promoting ethical standards makes the first option the most appropriate definition.