Current Ethical Issues Paper

Current Ethical Issues Paper 11/20/11 Axia College

Current Ethical Issues Paper

In order to build an Ethical Organization Profile it is very important to understand the culture and operations of the business. Kudler Fine Foods is an upscale specialty food provider. Kudler places strong emphasis on quality and the ability to provide one stop shopping for the finest foods across a large spectrum of products. The company currently has three locations that boast 8,000 square feet of retail space which host six specialty departments. Kudler Fine Foods has a fresh bakery, fresh produce, a butcher shop with meat and seafood, packaged foods, cheese and specialty dairy, and most importantly fine wines. The owner, Kathy Kudler, is aware that it is through her customers satisfaction that her stores will find success. Kudler connects with its customers with a knowledgeable staff that promises to make the shopping experience delightful and pleasing. While Kudler Fine Foods vision is to be the premier gourmet grocery store for savvy customers, Kudler does not ignore their social responsibility, Kudler Fine Foods uses only the finest organic ingredients. Whenever possible, we purchase local produce from organic farmers. We use unbleached flour in our bakery goods and we dont add unnecessary preservatives to our products. Food is rotated from the shelves on an ongoing basis. Those items that are still in good condition are donated to local homeless shelters and food kitchens (Apollo Group, Inc., 2007). It is through philanthropic acts that Kudler stays connected with its surroundings and establishes the groundwork of the business ethical culture. Kudler Fine Foods takes positive steps when dealing with the cultural norms it wishes to establish, however, the business leaves ethical gaps that have been overlooked and have allowed for a few ethical dilemmas to surface. The first and most glaring ethical problem or dilemma lies with Kudlers compensation philosophy and procedures. The current policy in place intends to provide a total reward system that is above and beyond. This help Kudler Fine Foods achieve its

Current Ethical Issues Paper

mission and goals by attracting, motivating and retaining highly qualified people. It seems that highly satisfied employees help to create highly satisfied customers. The total rewards program is linked to the performance of the employee and incentives are offered to those that perform well to increase their compensation. Kudler Fine foods offer an excellent benefits package to their full time employees that go way above and beyond the ones required by law. The second ethical issue lies with the manager and his ultimate responsibility to be ethical in his or her practices while managing employees, clientele, operations, and liabilities of an organization. In fact, people share differences of opinion regarding ones ethical character, which allows much latitude for gray areas in determining right from wrong. For this very reason, organizations and litigators are continuously rewriting rules and regulations by which to operate. Unfortunately, such an abundance of these particular rules promote need of interpretation; therefore, creating an endless cycle of inconclusive values regarding a standard for ethical behavior. Other contributing factors for ethical objectivity is due to differences in the diversity of social economic backgrounds, religious views, and extent of education among individuals. Based upon these facts, one might suggest, Everyones behavior is ethical! Of course, if this were true then ethics would have absolutely no valid meaning, and our society would conform to utter chaos. Looking back at the two major ethical issues of Kudler Fine Foods it appears to be that they can easily be resolved if the upper management took the time and focused on the mission of the company. If you want to achieve than you must first succeed. In order to succeed one must leave their comfort zone and help to negotiate the policy and procedures of Kudler Fine Foods. This will ensure that the highest ethical standards are being achieved to back the mission statement and deliver high quality standards to the employees and customers.

Current Ethical Issues Paper

Reference
Trevino, L., & Nelson, K. (2007). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (4 ed.). Hobeken, NJ: Wiley.
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