9. During the recession of 2008–2009, many reputable companies suffered bankruptcies while others struggled to survive. Of those that did remain, some opted to reduce the size of their work forces significantly. In a business environment during those times, consider a company that has been doing fairly well, posting profits every quarter and showing a sustainable growth expectation for the future; however, the general ill-ease in the market has caused the company’s stock price to fall. In response to this problem, the CEO decides to lay off a fraction of his employees, hoping to cut costs and to improve the bottom line.

This action raises investor confidence and, consequently, the stock price goes up. What is your impression of the CEO’s decision? Was there any kind of ethical lapse in laying off the employees; or was it a practical decision necessary for the survival of the company?