Final answer:
A code of ethics is a formal statement of a company's values regarding ethics and social issues. It outlines permissible behavior, addresses important matters, and provides guidelines for achieving goals and building trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
A code of ethics is a formal statement of the company's values concerning ethics and social issues. It outlines what actions are and are not permissible for an organization and its individual employees, addressing matters such as bribery, discrimination, and whistleblowing. These codes also lay out guidelines for accomplishing environmental and social goals and building trust and goodwill.