Final answer:
The correct answer is A) Ethics. Professional ethics are enforced by professional organizations and include codes that members must follow to maintain standards and membership. They are essential for the integrity of the professions, though not legally enforceable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the given question is option A) Ethics. Although professional ethics are not legally binding, they are enforced by professional organizations. Professional organizations in various fields issue codes of ethics that their members are expected to abide by. These codes of ethics typically outline the responsibilities and proper practices for professionals in the field. For instance, within the field of science and technology, the IEEE Computer Society adopted the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, which includes obligations for software engineers to ensure safety, privacy, and environmental considerations in their work.
Adherence to such professional ethics helps maintain standards of practice and can impact certification and membership within these organizations. These ethical obligations reflect not only on the individuals but also on the professionalism and integrity of the field as a whole. While they are not enforceable by law, violations of these professional ethics can result in penalties from the professional organizations, including loss of certification or membership.