A written list detailing a profession's values and standards of conduct is best described as what?

A written list detailing a profession's values and standards of conduct is best described as a code of ethics. The code of ethics serves as a foundational document that outlines the principles and moral values that govern the professional behavior of individuals within a specific field. It establishes expectations regarding integrity, honesty, fairness, and respect, guiding professionals in their decision-making processes and interactions with colleagues, clients, and the public.

The purpose of a code of ethics is to ensure that professionals uphold the highest standards of practice and ethical behavior. It also aids in fostering trust between the profession and the communities it serves. By clearly articulating expectations, a code of ethics helps members of a profession navigate complex ethical dilemmas by providing a framework for evaluating their actions against established values.

While professional guidelines and standards of practice pertain to specific protocols and procedures within a profession, they do not necessarily encapsulate the overarching ethical considerations that a code of ethics addresses. An ethical framework is more abstract and can incorporate principles from various codes without being specific to one profession, thus lacking the detailed, prescriptive nature of a code of ethics focused on a single field's standards and values.