Which term best describes a system of codes guiding personal conduct for professional engineers?

The term that best describes a system of codes guiding personal conduct for professional engineers is canons. Canons are fundamental principles or rules that serve to guide the behavior and decision-making processes of professionals in a specific field. In the context of engineering, these canons encompass ethical guidelines and responsibilities that engineers are expected to uphold in their practice.

These canons inform engineers on how to act with integrity, conduct themselves professionally, and prioritize the welfare of the public and the environment in their work. They are often codified in documents by professional engineering organizations and serve as a framework for engineers to navigate complex ethical dilemmas they may face in their careers.

In contrast, regulations refer to the legal requirements set by government bodies, standards are established norms that specify the criteria for quality, and protocols are formalized rules of conduct in specific situations, which do not solely encapsulate the ethical aspect of personal conduct.