A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes ethics in the workplace?

1. A set of principles enforced by law

2. A personal belief system held by individuals

3. Rules outlined in codes of conduct

4. Guidelines for financial reporting

The correct answer is: Rules outlined in codes of conduct

Ethics in the workplace primarily refers to the standards and principles that guide the behavior of individuals and organizations in a professional setting. Option C, which states that ethics are rules outlined in codes of conduct, accurately captures this concept. Codes of conduct serve as formal guidelines established by an organization to dictate acceptable behavior among employees and management. These codes are designed to foster a culture of integrity, honesty, and fairness, promoting an ethical work environment. While personal beliefs (as mentioned in option B) do play a role in how individuals perceive and act upon ethical dilemmas, they do not comprehensively define workplace ethics, which is more about collective standards. Options related to legal enforcement (like option A) and financial reporting guidelines (option D) focus on specific aspects of business practice rather than the broader ethical principles that inform behavior overall. Thus, codes of conduct are essential in providing a clear framework for ethical decision-making in the workplace.