What are the four cornerstone ethical principles generally expected in professional practice?

• A. Integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional competence and due care.
• B. Integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and loyalty.
• C. Objectivity, transparency, independence, and accountability.
• D. Respect, diligence, fairness, and accuracy.

Answer: (A)

The four cornerstone ethical principles in professional practice are integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional competence and due care. Integrity means being honest and straightforward in all professional activities, which builds trust with clients and colleagues. Objectivity requires making judgments free from bias, conflicts of interest, or outside pressure. Confidentiality means protecting information entrusted to you and not sharing it without proper authority or a legitimate reason. Professional competence and due care involves maintaining current knowledge and skills and carrying out duties with diligence and quality.

These elements together cover both how you should think and how you should act in professional settings. The other options miss or replace key parts—for example, loyalty isn’t a formal cornerstone and can clash with objectivity; transparency, independence, and accountability align more with governance contexts than the broad ethical duties in daily practice; and respect, diligence, fairness, and accuracy omit integrity, objectivity, and the obligation to safeguard information and maintain competence.