Cheesecake Factory Code Of Conduct

Cheesecake Factory

Code of Ethical Conduct

Joseph D. Williams

Introduction to Business 100

Kimberly Hayes

December 10, 2013

Abstract

In today’s society, business is a melting pot of diverse cultures. With the present technology, the distance between locations has become virtually borderless. Different backgrounds produce different understandings of very basic concepts, like what is right and what is wrong. Simply stated, right versus wrong is the definition of ethics. First, this paper will discuss key areas that are of significant importance to the business. Second, this paper will converse ways a company can ensure employees follow codes of conduct. Finally, this paper will confer ways a business can engage in socially responsive

activities within which it operates.

Cheesecake Factory Code of Ethical Conduct
Oscar and Evelyn Overton confirmed the Cheesecake Factory in the 1940s.

Mrs. Overton personally made baked cheesecakes in the basement of their home for the best local restaurants. In 1972, they moved their business to Los Angeles, CA where they opened a 700 square foot store known as the Cheesecake Factory. Thirty years later, The Cheesecake Factory has over 170 locations around the world. Having such a large corporation presents various challenges when it comes to having a large diverse staff. A solid Human Resources base is one of the major keys to having an up-and-coming business union or type of occupation that heavily rely on individuals. When you have such a diverse group of personnel, everyone is going to have their own set of morals and ethics that they live by and have a tendency to take those ethics to the work place. When writing a code of ethics it is important that the rules will cover every employee from the Executives to the lowest staff member. In today’s diverse workplace, a Chief Executive Officer must focus on how the code of conduct is significant to the workplace, ensure all employees and leaders follow the code of conduct, and determine ways a business can engage with socially responsive activities in the community within it

operates.
First, as a Chief Executive Officer of my company, one has to understand what ethics are and how they can affect the business. Ethics are an assemblage of principles and practices that a business believes in and targets to live by, which work in unification with the Cheesecake Factory’s mission statement and more specific policies about conduct to give employees, partners, vendors, and outsiders an idea of what the corporation stands for and how the staff should conduct themselves. My job is to ensure that all members of the staff understand the importance and implementation of the code of conduct.
Second, a key area that one must focus on is how fellow employees will treat employees and how management treats employees. One cannot expect employees to be the same but they have to be able to identify conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest and avoid it at all cost. By enforcing of this behavior will prevent situations from spiraling out of control, but will aid in making employees know that they are responsible for his or her actions. Towards the end employees have to treat each other fairly and respectfully. We should treat others, as we would expect to be treated. The standards will deal with basic values that we all have, with the expectation of building trust loyalty, honesty, respect, and a high level of professionalism within the company. This behavior will promote a positive working environment that will uplift attitudes and morale. Managers play a big role in the process so, as CEO of the company ethics training applies to ensure that all concerned understand policies because this is where the ethics code is integrated into the workplace. An approach is to provide in-house training by specialized ethics trainers and providing online training for employee on a regular basis. Training will ensure that all managers conduct themselves in a professional manner with staff, regardless of whether they are on duty or on Company premises. It is their responsibility to protect and enhance the assets and reputation of the business. Managers have the responsibility to know and follow all of the policies and procedures, and uphold the business best interest at all times. Managers cannot abuse, discriminate, and harass employees to ensure preserve dignity when handling various situations.
Thirdly, Corporate Executives have to adhere to the code of conduct.

Executives have to avoid conflicts of interest regarding business transactions pertaining to investments, and sensitive information. “Conflicts of Interest,” in regards to investments ensures that an officer or director should avoid participating in any transaction or investment that conflicts with, or gives the appearance of a conflict with, the interest of the company. This is key in maintaining ethics because a person who is in a leadership or management position must be loyal to only one organization; otherwise, all decisions that are made are suspect as to the integrity of the choice, especially concerning money matters. A second key area of the code of ethics for Executives shall maintain the confidentiality of the Enterprise’s confidential information and any confidential information of third parties in accordance with the Company’s confidentiality policies and any confidentiality agreements entered into by the Corporation because it is apparent that leaks of information can destroy a

company.
In addition, there are some ways that my company may take ensure the employees follow the code of conduct. One way is to have a compliance department that handles all disputes, violations of the code of conduct, and investigations regarding violations of the code of conduct. The business must be a specific departments, and employees that govern the company’s employees and handle any issues that arise. The last way to ensure personnel follow the code of conduct is to have workers sign the rules of behavior upon being hired and to give the employee a copy and keep a copy in the member files. This makes it possible for the employee and the company to be on the same page from the beginning of the working affiliation.
Lastly, one way the Cheesecake Factory can engage in a socially responsive activities in the community with which it operates is to donate food to local food banks and countless shelters. Restaurant’s always have food that does not get used for one reason or another, and being able to donate fresh, edible food to shelters and enabling someone who would go hungry to have a meal would be great. Another way for the Cheesecake Factory to engage in socially responsive activities would be to help raise money for a local organization. It is very important for a company to give back to the community in which it is associated. Finally, giving back to the community during the holidays by providing meals is an excellent way to give back to the community.
In essence, in today’s diverse workplace, if a Chief Executive Officer emphases on how the code of conduct is significant to the workplace, ensure all employees and leaders follow the code of conduct, and determine ways a business can engage with socially responsive activities in the community within it operates. The code of conduct ensures the company maintains a positive image with consumers and in return, helps improve overall profit margins.

Reference
(2006, March). Retrieved December 11, 2013, from https://www.thecheesecakefactory.con/resources/code_of_Ethics_2011.pdf

(2012, September 17). Retrieved December 11, 2013, from https://anthonyb-thecheesecakefactory.blogspot.com/2012/09/chapter-3-ethics-responsibility.html