STAGE 3. CHOOSE THE BEST PATH FORWARD
In the third phase of the ethical decision-making process, you move from understanding the situation to actively deciding what to do about it. This stage is about generating realistic options, assessing them through ethical and practical lenses, and identifying the course of action that best aligns with both your values and your responsibilities.
By working through the two guiding questions below, you can ensure your decision is both thoughtful and justifiable.
What are the alternatives?
Alternatives are the possible courses of action you could take in response to the current situation. These should be specific, actionable, and varied; not simply “do something” or “do nothing.” Strong ethical decision-making involves looking beyond the most obvious or convenient choice to consider creative solutions that could address the needs of multiple stakeholders.
How can you assess different alternatives and select the most effective one?
Assessing alternatives means evaluating each option using clear criteria. This might involve:
- Applying ethical theories (such as utilitarianism, justice, virtue ethics, care ethics, or the categorical imperative)
- Considering short-term and long-term consequences for all stakeholders
- Weighing feasibility, fairness, and alignment with core values
- Looking at whether the decision will uphold the organization’s integrity and reputation
The goal is not simply to choose the most profitable or least risky option, but the one that best balances ethical principles with practical realities.
Choosing the best path forward requires both moral reasoning and strategic thinking. By developing strong alternatives and assessing them thoroughly, you can move ahead with confidence that your decision is both ethically sound and effectively addresses the situation at hand.
Next Step
Your next step is to weigh the alternatives and determine which course of action offers the most ethical and practical path forward.
Proceed to: Alternatives →
