Why must directors avoid accepting benefits from third parties?

Directors must avoid accepting benefits from third parties primarily to prevent potential bribery and maintain integrity. Accepting gifts, favors, or any form of benefit from external parties can create conflicts of interest, where a director's personal interests might conflict with their duty to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

This practice is particularly crucial for maintaining trust and transparency within the organization and the market. Directors are in positions of power and influence, and any perception of favoritism or unethical behavior can severely damage the reputation of the organization and erode stakeholder confidence. By adhering to strict ethical standards and avoiding such benefits, directors help ensure that their decisions are made objectively and are based on what is best for the company rather than influenced by external rewards.

The other options, while related to positive outcomes of good governance (like promoting teamwork or enhancing a company’s public image), do not capture the core issue of integrity and the avoidance of corruption that accepting benefits could invite. Personal financial gain, another option, contradicts the purpose of ethical governance, which is to prioritize the company's success over personal interests.