Which pair best contrasts ethics and standards of practice?

• A. Ethics are legal requirements; standards are voluntary
• B. Ethics are moral guidelines; standards specify procedures
• C. Ethics are identical to standards
• D. Ethics only apply to private sector

Answer: (B)

Think of ethics as the moral compass guiding how a professional should behave, based on values like integrity, fairness, and respect. They describe what’s right or wrong in general, and they aren’t tied to specific steps or procedures. Standards of practice, in contrast, lay out concrete procedures, criteria, and techniques for performing tasks. They specify how work should be done and what constitutes competent performance.

That contrast is why the best choice says ethics are moral guidelines while standards specify procedures. It captures the idea that ethics tell you what you ought to value and strive for, while standards tell you exactly how to act in practice.

Other choices mix these roles in ways that aren’t accurate. Ethics aren’t legal requirements, and standards aren’t merely voluntary; ethics aren’t identical to standards, and ethics apply across all sectors, not just private.