What provides guidelines for how employees should behave when ethical issues arise?

The correct answer is that ethical codes of practice provide guidelines for how employees should behave when ethical issues arise. These codes are specifically designed to outline the ethical standards and principles that a company expects its employees to follow. They serve as a framework for decision-making in complex situations where the right course of action may not be immediately clear, emphasizing the importance of integrity, accountability, and transparency in business practices.

Ethical codes of practice help create a culture of ethics within an organization, guiding behavior in situations that might involve conflicts of interest, discrimination, harassment, or other moral dilemmas. Such codes often include practical examples and scenarios to illustrate acceptable conduct, making it easier for employees to navigate challenges related to ethics in their everyday work.

While an employee handbook can contain ethical guidelines, its scope is generally broader, covering all aspects of employment, including procedures and benefits. Company policies may also address ethical behavior but are typically focused on operational standards rather than the moral principles themselves. Legal frameworks set out legal obligations and rights, but they do not delve into the ethical considerations that ethical codes specifically address.