The CEO of a struggling company explained to his board the need for terminating employees in order to reduce cost, and added, "I can lay off 2,000 employees now or have all 12,000 of them lose their jobs when the company has to declare bankruptcy." Which of the following school of ethical thought is the CEO following?
A) Normative standards
B) Divine Command theory
C) Bentham and Mill Utilitarianism
D) Rights theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The CEO's statement reflects the utilitarianism school of thought, which prioritizes maximizing the overall good for the greatest number of people. In this case, the CEO is suggesting that laying off 2,000 employees would be the best option to reduce cost and prevent bankruptcy, which would result in all 12,000 employees losing their jobs. This decision is based on the utilitarian principle of minimizing overall harm and maximizing overall benefit.

The CEO of a Struggling Company Explained to His Board