During a recent economic downturn, executives of a national home goods retailer decided to permanently close 12 stores (out of 267) to ensure the long-term viability of the business. Closing these locations put hundreds of employees out of work and negatively affected 12 local communities. However, this decision will ultimately save the company millions of dollars and benefit many stockholders and other stakeholders. The benefits of closing the stores outweigh the benefits of keeping them open. Keeping the stores open would be advantageous for many fewer people than closing the stores. This logic is an example of the ________ approach to deciding ethical dilemmas.

a. individual
b. deontological
c. utilitarian
d. justice

b. deontological