Unit VIII Journal
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Unit VIII Journal
Christina M. Jones
Columbia Southern University
PHI 6301: Business Ethics
Todd Hughes
September 26, 2023
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Target Corporation has a comprehensive and inclusive code of ethics. This code of ethics outlines Target’s culture, values, purpose, and all the components that bring those principles together (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.). Target’s code of ethics packet explains not only their ethics, but how they implement them both inside and outside of the corporation. Brian Cornell, CEO of Target Corporation, expresses that this code of ethics was created to support the purpose-driven mission of the company and to guide employees to make the best decision every time (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.).
Before discussing Target’s code of ethics, it is important to first discuss their ethical foundation. The first pillar to this foundation is that employees should execute their actions and decisions in line the company’s culture and values (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.). By modeling the culture in values in their decisions, employees stay true to the mission and deliver best in class service. The second pillar is to treat every interaction with respect, concern, and honesty (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.). The remaining pillars include understanding and following policies, compliance with law, seeking guidance when unsure, and reporting violations (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.).
The code of ethics at Target Corporation derives from the three principles mentioned above; purpose, culture, and values (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.). Their purpose is, “
to help all families discover the joy of everyday life
,” highlighting that consumers are the reason
for existence and that employees are responsible for creating an honest environment (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.). The culture is to, “
care, grow and win together,” highlighting that the best way to deliver great service is to create a happy and healthy environment within the corporation (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.). The final principle, values, explains how
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each Target member should present themselves and treat customers: with inclusivity, connection, and drive (
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.).
This code of ethics is inclusive to both employees and customers. This creates an environment where the values are based strongly on the employees because this leads to greater service, and ultimately greater customer satisfaction. While the previous statement may seem that Target is only focused on their employees, they are equally balancing the needs of their employees and customers to create a copasetic environment. Not only does this code serve as an everyday guide to ordinary choices, it also serves as a roadmap to handle complex situations Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
n.d.).
Perhaps the biggest weakness in this code of ethics is that it is too large. It would be difficult for every team member, at every level, to memorize and abide by every step. The current
code of ethics covers every topic imaginable. This could be largely in part due to previous actions brought against Target that would directly violate some of these principles (
Target: Putting Customers First? 2014). From accusations of discrimination during promotion, to data leaks, Target has had to reconsider their code of ethics and how they develop it, leading to this current and most comprehensive version (
Target: Putting Customers First? 2014). Target has been committed to addressing concerns that violate their code, as well as amending their policies to prevent such things from reoccurrence. A code of ethics is not something that should remain the same. These codes should evolve regularly, while still maintaining the same core foundations. In a society that adapts on a regular basis, the response of corporations should also be to evolve.
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References
Code of Ethics: Target Corporation
. Target Corporate. (n.d.). https://corporate.target.com/about/purpose-history/our-commitments/
ethics#:~:text=Exhibiting%20honesty%2C%20respect%20and%20concern,have
%20ethical%20questions%20or%20concerns. Target: Putting Customers First?
. Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures - Auburn University. (2014). https://harbert.auburn.edu/