What is the difference between a code of ethics and a code of conduct?

• A. They are identical in purpose.
• B. A code of ethics guides personal integrity and values; a code of conduct specifies expected behaviors and rules.
• C. A code of ethics lists the day-to-day rules for behavior.
• D. A code of ethics is about fundraising.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that ethics deal with values and how you decide what’s right in tricky situations, while a code of conduct spells out the specific rules and expected behaviors for daily actions. A code of ethics guides personal integrity and values—it tells you what principles to uphold, such as honesty, fairness, and respect, and how those principles influence your decisions. A code of conduct, on the other hand, lays out concrete rules and standards for behavior you must follow day to day, like punctuality, dress code, and procedures for reporting misconduct.

So the idea that ethics simply lists day-to-day rules mixes up the two roles; those everyday rules belong in a code of conduct. Similarly, ethics aren’t about fundraising, and they aren’t identical to a conduct code.