Business Ethics Touchstone 2 REDONE
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School
Colorado Technical University *
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Course
270
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
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3
Uploaded by HighnessGorilla6526
Business Ethics Touchstone 2 Template
Name: Date: 1. Give the name of the company or organization you have chosen from the list above.
Starbucks
2. Find each of the following topics in the code of ethics you have chosen. Write 1-2 sentences paraphrasing or summarizing the company policy on each topic. If you cannot find a policy on the topic, indicate why you think they company did not provide a policy and what potential problems might occur because they do not have a policy.
Basic conduct
Starbucks offers employees criteria that include customer service,
store cleanliness, policy adherence, and courteous behavior, all of which contribute to a great work environment for everyone.
Confidentiality
All employees must sign a confidentiality agreement to protect sensitive information about the company, its customers and operations. Disclosing sensitive information to unauthorized parties or for personal gain is strictly forbidden.
Competition
They have a competitive code of ethics emphasizes fair and ethical behavior, respect for competitors, and adherence to antitrust laws to provide a level playing field.
Giving and receiving gifts
Starbucks policy prohibits staff from accepting gifts from patrons or merchants in order to “maintain a fair and unbiased relationship” with all stakeholders. This policy is in place to protect the company's integrity and avoid potential conflicts of interest
Insider trading
The company forbids insider trading between its workers in accordance with security laws and organizational procedures.
Social media usage
Their social media policy emphasizes the importance of following the rules for confidentiality, brand portrayal, transparency, respect, and alignment with business values when using social media.
Disparagement
Starbucks prohibits its employees from making undesirable comments about the firm, its products, or its customers, whether online or offline.
3. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing whether the company’s ethical code describes an ethical minimum (legal compliance) or
a higher ethical standard. Support your answers with specific examples from the code of ethics.
From what I’ve seen Starbucks ethical policy stretches to a higher ethical standard beyond simple legal compliance. For example, its code of conduct provides detailed requirements for responsible sourcing of coffee beans to ensure fair treatment of farmers and sustainable methods. This alone is proof enough that Starbucks goes above and beyond what is legally required.
4. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing what
kind of culture the company seems to have based on the competing values framework (adhocracy, clan, market, hierarchy). Write 5-7 sentences supporting your answer with specific examples from the code of ethics. Starbucks culture seems to combine both adhocracy and clan cultures. The organization values innovation, creativity, and adaptability, as well as excellent employee engagement, Involvement in the community and even customer service. This blend demonstrates Starbucks emphasis on flexibility and values driven teamwork across the corporation.
5. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing what
ethical theory they seem to follow (virtue ethics, utilitarianism, or deontology). Support your answer with specific examples from the code of ethics.
Based on the information that I have read it seems as though Starbucks practices virtue ethics and utilitarianism, emphasizing sustainability, social responsibility, fair employee treatment, and promoting social good and environmental stewardship for the benefit of stakeholders and society.
6. Based on this organization’s code of ethics, write 2-3 sentences in response to each question.
Do you feel they are reasonable and employee-
centered? Yes, I do feel that their ethics are reasonable, what they believe in and stand for is also reasonable and that they desire to create an atmosphere where employees thrive.
Do any of the policies give you concern? All their policies are extremely fair and easy to follow. I don’t see a concern with their policies.
Would you want to work here? Why or why not?
Although Starbucks seems to be a good company based upon their ethics, it is not the type of business that I would like to work in, at least in a local chain.
What additional information
would you find useful before making a decision to work here or not?
It would be beneficial to have feedback from current employees and also customers.
Step 3. Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Did you select a code of ethics from the ones listed above
and read it carefully in its entirety?
❒ Did you locate each topic in the code of ethics and describe it in your own words?
❒ If any policy is missing, did you explain in your own words why they may not have
included a policy and what problems may occur because of this?
❒ Did you answer all of the subsequent questions using both language from the code of ethics and the concepts and terms covered in the tutorials?
❒ Did you meet the length requirements for each question?
❒ Did you review the rubric and compare your assignment with the rubric to ensure
all elements have been addressed?
❒ Did you read through your assignment to ensure no grammar errors exist? Did you use spell check?
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