What principle suggests a manager should choose the option that benefits the greatest number of people?

The Utilitarian Principle is grounded in the idea that the best action or decision is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the largest number of people. This principle emphasizes the outcomes of actions over the actions themselves, focusing on the consequences of choices.

In practice, a manager applying the Utilitarian Principle evaluates various options by considering their potential impacts on stakeholders. The choice that produces the greatest benefit—often measured in terms of happiness, satisfaction, or utility—is favored. This approach encourages decision-making that seeks to maximize the collective good, making it a popular framework in ethics, particularly in business and public policy contexts.

The other principles mentioned differ in their focus. For instance, the Deontological Principle emphasizes adherence to rules and duties regardless of outcomes, while Virtue Ethics centers on the character and intentions of the decision-maker rather than the overall consequences. The Universalist Principle often pertains to the idea that moral truths are universally applicable, without necessarily prioritizing the greatest benefit for the majority. Hence, the Utilitarian Principle stands out distinctly for its goal of maximizing benefits for the greatest number.