A code of ethics is used in an establishment to:

• A. Increase profits
• B. Determine salaries
• C. Establish hiring criteria
• D. Clarify expected behavior

Answer: (D)

A code of ethics sets clear expectations for how employees should conduct themselves. It provides a framework for acceptable behavior, guiding daily interactions with guests, coworkers, and suppliers, and helping staff handle ethical dilemmas with consistency. By articulating values like integrity, fairness, respect, and safety, it creates a shared standard that supports trustworthy service and protects the establishment’s reputation. This guidance also underpins accountability—employees know what behavior is expected and what they should report if they see something inappropriate.

While profits, salary decisions, and hiring criteria are governed by separate financial, human resources, and recruitment policies, the ethics code specifically focuses on how people ought to act and make responsible choices. It’s about behavior and conduct, not directly about compensation or hiring metrics. For that reason, clarifying expected behavior is the primary purpose of a code of ethics.