Ethical and Socially Responsive Business - 550 Words

Ethical and Socially Responsive Business (Essay Sample) Content: Ethical and Socially Responsive Business Name Institution Date Ethical and Socially Responsive Business As the CEO of Star Coffee shop, I would ensure that a strict business code of ethical conduct was adhered to. It is important to realize that, a leader attains more results through influence as opposed to dictatorship. Some of the key areas I would ensure were emphasized on the ethical code of conduct would be honesty, patience, tolerance, transparency, respect for self, customers and fellow workers, transparency, accountability and hard work. These areas, I believe would be tested often especially in my line of business. Coffee shops are usually some of the busiest restaurants, especially at peak morning hours when people are rushing to their jobs. Usually attendants need to exercise a lot of patience, tolerance and positivity when dealing with a lot of customers. Customers in the mornings are often grumpy, in a hurry and really have no time for niceties. The fact that they have to queue for a cup of coffee does not help matters. Attendants as part of their adherence to the code of ethical conduct will be expected to maintain a polite and welcoming demeanour regardless of their customers’ attitudes. One of the key steps that the restaurant can take to ensure that their employees follow the outlined code of ethical conduct is positive reinforcement. This means that they focus on creating an environment that makes their employees want to follow the code of conduct as opposed to forcing them into it. An example is focusing on rewarding good conduct as opposed to focusing on punishing misconduct. Whatever management focuses on is bound to grow (Pride, 2010). A second way would be leading by example. A good leader influences their followers rather than dictating their actions. What better way to achieve this than by following the code of conduct to the letter. Employees are also less likely to reject rules if their managers and bosses are governed by the same rules or if they do not feel that their managers are above the law. In addition to these two, the restaurant needs to invest in proper training for employees, especially in regards to proper ethical conduct, the law requirements and the business’s expectation. The employees need to learn the value of being ethical so that they follow the code of conduct for the right reasons. Often, employees who only follow rules because they are afraid of punishment do so begrudgingly and the lack of genuineness can be felt by the customers. However, if they internalize the value of ethics and practice ethical conduct for the right reasons, their attitude and positive demeanour translates into a more positive business environment a...