Which of these terms refers to the moral principles by which we live and work?

The term that refers to the moral principles by which we live and work is ethics. Ethics encompasses a systematic approach to understanding what is right and wrong within the context of human behavior and societal norms. It guides individuals and professionals in making decisions that align with moral values and standards of conduct.

In the context of a hairstyling apprenticeship or any professional field, adhering to ethical principles helps in establishing trust with clients, ensuring fairness, and maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Ethical behavior promotes respect and responsibility, both integral to the beauty industry, where client relationships are paramount.

While integrity, values, and morality are closely related concepts, they serve different functions. Integrity refers to the consistency of actions, values, and morals, and is a measure of one's character. Values are the deeply held beliefs that guide behavior, but they don't specifically refer to the framework of moral principles in a professional setting. Morality is more about the distinction between right and wrong behavior but lacks the formal structure implied by ethics. Thus, in a professional context, ethics is the most comprehensive term to describe the moral guidelines that dictate how one should conduct themselves.