Running head: ETHICAL ORGANIZATION PROFILE-PART ONE
Ethical Organization Profile-Part One Learning Team Charter C MGT 216 June 13, 2011 Brandon Fowler
ETHICAL ORGANIZATION PROFILE-PART ONE
Abstract We are a global trendsetter committed to superior customer service and affordable, quality products and strive to make the shopping experience creative and fun through in-store and online options. We will never make you choose between quality and quantity. Conducting business with Integrity Every employee of Super E-Mart shall conduct business with integrity. Violation of Super E-marts business integrity conduct code includes disciplinary actions including suspension, termination, or prosecution. Employees are also instructed to turn down any attempt of bribery. Additionally, customer satisfaction is Super E-Marts personal mission. Diversity Super E-mart encourages diversity in the workplace by creating equal opportunities for every employee. Discrimination will never be tolerated according to sex, race, religion, marital status, age, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, every culture is valued and respected at Super E-mart. Confidential Information Confidential Information concerning Super E-mart belongs to Super E-mart. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to customer personal information, financial statements, suppliers information, credit card information, strategies with Super E-mart, and business-to-business contacts. Every employee is required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon getting hired, and this remains in effect during and after employment with Super E-mart.
ETHICAL ORGANIZATION PROFILE-PART ONE
Importance of Business Codes
The importance of an organizations Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, or Code of Standards is to define their expectations of every employee. Codes include a variety of topics that tackle possible situations that may arise. These topics are detailed explanations of the values, mission, and principles of the organization presented as guidelines for each employ to follow. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Starbucks has been named one of the worlds most ethical companies five year running by Ethisphere Magazine. Conducting business ethically is vital to Starbucks, so they facilitate ethical training and investigate sensitive issues. Furthermore, Starbucks mission statement tells how they intend to inspire and nurture the human spirit by one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time (Starbucks, n.d.). Walmart is the worlds largest retailer with a longer and more detailed Standards of Ethics. The structural design of Walmarts Statement of Ethics is on three basic beliefs: respect for the individual, service to the customer, and striving for excellence. In addition, Walmarts mission statement also states Walmarts ethics by presenting that they work together to lower costs (Walmart, n.d.). Based in Henderson, Nevada, Zappos.com, Incorporation has grown into the largest online shoe store. Zappos Code of Business Conduct and Ethics differs from Starbucks and Walmart by including integrity, honesty, and commitment. Additionally, Zappos mission statement includes how they aligned the organization around one mission: to provide the best customer service possible (Zappos.com, Incorporation, 2010). Similarities
ETHICAL ORGANIZATION PROFILE-PART ONE
Code of Ethics Topics The Code of Ethics topics for Super E-Mart is conducting business with integrity, diversity, and protecting confidential information. SEMs integrity strategies includes being honest to mission of the organization and ethical employee performance. Diversity strategies in the SEM organization are to build a strong ethical reputation with incorporating formal communication ethics. Moreover, protecting confidential information will determine SEMs organizational credibility. To enforce these topics SEM will hire ethic officers in enforce fairness, trustworthiness, and discreetness amongst every employee (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). Code of Ethics Distribution The distribution of SEMs Code of Ethics will be through training sessions designed by the shareholders. Training sessions are mandatory for traditional and online employees. Employees will receive their first training session during orientation, and will continue throughout employment status in mentoring seminars. SEM will also distribute its Code of Ethics though newsletters, recruiting brochures, and booklets for shareholders, job candidates, and the public. Concluding, the SEM organization will display this Code of Ethics on their Web site (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). Usage of the Code of Ethics Considering the Code of Ethics is compiled of daily work rules and standards that the organization wishes for the employees to honor, these ethics will be used as a behavioral guideline. This will help E-Mart to keep efficiencies and consistencies in what they expect from their employees. The Code of Ethics also allows the company to hold the employees
ETHICAL ORGANIZATION PROFILE-PART ONE
accountable for their behavior, right and wrong. The Code of Ethics is also used as a strong commitment to the company shareholders. Areas such as environmental commitment, business integrity and confidentiality show the company dedication to business relationships with the shareholders. This is the first step towards building lasting trust between the organization and all shareholders. Reinforcement of the Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics is linked to the SEMs values and business principles. Through the values and business principles, SEM is able to positively acknowledge the commitment of the Code of Ethics through the organizations recognition program. SEM rewards employees for linking their work rules and best practices to their daily success within the organization. The ethics officers will form an ethical committee to manage the functional areas of SEMs organization. This committee will provide ethical oversight and policy guidance for decision making within the systems. SEM will become known for its sound communication principles by maintaining open communications on every employee level. These principles will be set up to ensure rewards for employee cooperation in informing any level personnel of unethical practices from any employee (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). Positive reinforcement for abiding by the code encourages SEM employees to continue striving to make good decisions for the organization.
ETHICAL ORGANIZATION PROFILE-PART ONE
References Starbucks. (n.d.). Business Ethics and Compliance. Retrieved June 7, 2011, from http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/business-ethics-andcompliance
Tenbrunsel, A. E. (2008). Ethics in today's business world: Reflections from business scholars. Journal of Business Ethics, 80(1), 1-1-4. doi:10.1007/s10551-007-9433-1, Retrieved on June 12, 2011.
Trevino, L., & Nelson, K. (2007). Managing Business Ethics. In L. K. Trevino, & N. K.A, Straight Talk How to do it Right. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Walmart. (n.d.). Walmart Statement of Ethics. Retrieved June 9, 2011, from http://walmartstores.com/media/cdnpull/statementofethics/pdf/U.S_SOE.pdf
Zappos.com, Incorporation. (2010). Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Retrieved June 9, 2011, from https://classroom.phoenix.edu/afm215/secure/viewattachment.jspa?ID=20231034&messageID=113738980&name=Zappos_com, Inc_ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Zappos_com.mht&view=inline
