Which term describes the expectations for conduct specific to certain professions?

The term that describes the expectations for conduct specific to certain professions is ethics. Ethics refers to a set of principles that guide behavior and decision-making within a professional context. These principles are shaped by the values and standards of the profession, providing a framework for practitioners to evaluate their actions and choices in relation to their responsibilities to clients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Ethics serves to maintain professionalism, promote integrity, and ensure accountability. For example, in the counseling profession, ethical guidelines inform counselors on issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, and the duty to avoid harm. These guidelines help ensure that professionals act in the best interests of those they serve while navigating complex circumstances.

While morality refers to personal beliefs about right and wrong, ethics is more concerned with collective standards that have been agreed upon by a professional group. Best practice refers to the most effective methods based on evidence and research but does not specifically address expectations for conduct. Law encompasses rules enacted by governments and does not always cover the nuanced conduct expected within professional domains.