In $2022$ and $2023,$ major technology companies like Alphabet $($Google$),$ Amazon, and Meta $($Facebook$/$Instagram$/$WhatsApp$)$ laid off tens of thousands of workers.

Which of the following is most clearly true about these layoffs, as viewed through a stakeholder lens?

These decisions were ethical because they cut costs, raising profitability and benefitting stockholders $-$and stockholder interests are the most important ethical consideration.

If they were using strategic stakeholder management, these companies should have been especially concerned about the loss of talent and the effect on the morale and productivity of the remaining employees.

If they were using normative stakeholder management, these companies should have been especially concerned about the potential for negative publicity.

These decisions were unethical by the companies because it harmed these stakeholders' interests.