What does a code of ethics provide for employees?

A code of ethics is crucial for establishing a framework of acceptable behavior within an organization. It provides employees with specific guidelines that outline the ethical standards and expectations for conduct in the workplace. By setting these guidelines, the code of ethics encourages a culture of integrity and accountability. Employees rely on this code to guide their decision-making processes, ensuring that their actions align with the organization’s values and ethical standards.

While the other options may touch on relevant aspects of organizational policy, they do not encapsulate the primary function of a code of ethics as effectively as the correct answer. A mandatory training program refers to a structured education initiative rather than ethical guidelines themselves. Similarly, while a code of ethics might imply some consequences for unethical behavior, its primary role is not to serve as a punitive measure but rather to instruct and guide employees on appropriate conduct. Lastly, strategies for increasing productivity pertain more to operational efficiency than to ethical behavior, making them unrelated to the core purpose of a code of ethics.