What defines the principles of conduct that guide an individual or group?

The principles of conduct that guide an individual or group are defined by ethics. Ethics encompasses the moral values and standards that inform behavior and decision-making within a particular context, such as a workplace or society. Ethical principles help establish what is considered right or wrong and are integral to fostering trust, integrity, and accountability in various interactions.

Governance relates to the frameworks and systems for making decisions and managing organizations, but it does not specifically dictate the moral values that guide conduct. Policies are more about specific guidelines or frameworks created to guide actions in particular situations, while regulations refer to rules or laws established by authorities to control or govern conduct. These elements can support ethical behavior, but ethics fundamentally represents the underlying principles that define what those behaviors should be.