Which term refers to the set of moral principles or values governing individuals or groups according to accepted professional conduct?

The correct answer is the term that denotes a framework or system of moral principles and values that dictate how individuals or groups should behave in specific professional contexts. Ethics serves as a guiding force, outlining accepted standards of conduct, helping to ensure that professionals act with integrity, accountability, and respect towards others.

In professional settings, ethics is essential for establishing trust and promoting fairness, which is crucial for the effective functioning of organizations and communities. It encompasses various principles, such as honesty, fairness, and respect for others, which can vary based on the profession but are universally recognized as foundational to responsible behavior.

Other options do not encapsulate this concept. Establishment refers to the act of establishing or setting something up, which does not involve moral principles. Execution pertains to the act of performing or carrying out something, typically a plan or task, but it lacks the moral dimension that ethics entails. Escheat refers to the process by which property reverts to the state when there are no heirs, which is unrelated to the concept of moral conduct or professional standards.