What is the third step of a five-step ethical analysis?

The correct answer, consulting ethical guidelines, is a crucial part of the ethical analysis process. This step involves examining established ethical frameworks or guidelines that can provide insight into best practices and moral principles relevant to the situation at hand. By referring to these guidelines, individuals can better understand the ethical implications of their choices and ensure that their decisions align with broader societal values and standards.

This is particularly important in ethics, as it grounds the analysis in recognized norms and helps to prevent personal biases from clouding judgment. Consulting ethical guidelines also fosters accountability and encourages decision-makers to consider not just the immediate effects of their actions, but also the implications on stakeholders and society as a whole.

Identifying options is typically a preliminary step whereby a person assesses potential courses of action. Evaluating outcomes usually comes after options are identified, where one considers the consequences of each potential decision. Determining if other managers faced similar dilemmas, while potentially useful for context, does not directly provide an ethical framework or guide for the situation in question. Therefore, focusing on established ethical guidelines serves as a more effective resource for navigating complex ethical dilemmas.