What do the moral principles that guide behavior in the business world refer to?

The correct choice is business ethics, as these are the moral principles that govern how individuals and organizations behave in the business environment. Business ethics provide a framework for evaluating the rightness or wrongness of actions and decisions within a business context. This encompasses a wide range of issues, including fair treatment of employees, honest marketing practices, and ethical decision-making processes.

Business ethics are crucial because they help establish trust between a company and its stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the broader community. When a business adheres to ethical standards, it not only enhances its reputation but also contributes to its long-term success and sustainability.

Corporate governance, while related, focuses on the systems and processes that direct and control a company, rather than the underlying moral principles that guide business conduct. Social responsibility pertains to the obligations of businesses to contribute positively to society, which is a component of business ethics but not the entirety of what they encompass. Compliance standards involve following laws and regulations and do not necessarily reflect the ethical considerations that inform choices and actions in business.