Which of the following best describes a guideline?

A guideline is best described as a flexible suggestion based on best practices. Guidelines are designed to assist individuals and organizations in achieving desired outcomes and improving processes while allowing for some degree of interpretation and adaptation. They are not enforceable rules or mandatory actions; rather, they provide recommendations that can be adjusted based on the specific context or circumstances.

Guidelines often derive from industry standards or lessons learned from best practices, serving as a resource to promote consistency and effectiveness in various tasks or processes without being overly rigid. This flexibility can encourage creativity and innovation, as stakeholders are able to make decisions that fit their unique situations while still aligned with the general objectives outlined in the guidelines.