What term describes the moral principles by which people work and live?

The term that describes the moral principles by which people work and live is ethics. Ethics encompasses the values and standards that guide individuals in making decisions about right and wrong. It governs behavior in both personal and professional settings, influencing how individuals interact with others, make judgments, and conduct themselves in various situations.

In the context of the beauty and personal care industry, ethics plays a crucial role in ensuring that practitioners operate with integrity, respect for clients, and a commitment to the welfare of those they serve. This framework helps maintain trust and accountability in client relationships and contributes to a positive industry reputation.

Other options, such as legal standards, refer to laws and regulations that govern behavior but do not account for moral considerations. Procedural norms involve specific methods and protocols for carrying out tasks but lack the broader ethical implications. Professional behavior pertains to the conduct expected in a specific career but does not fully capture the foundational moral principles that ethics represents.