Ethics by definition, refers to a set of beliefs about right and wrong good and bad. Ethics are the basic concepts and fundamental principles of respectable human conduct. Ethics include universal values such as equality of all men and women, human or natural rights, obeying the laws, concern for health and safety, and the environment. Business ethics involve the application of these issues in the workplace.
Social responsibility, is the obligation of a business to contribute to society. Being socially responsible means that people and businesses must behave ethically and with sensitivity toward social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. Social responsibility is the obligation of a business towards the welfare and interests of the society in which it operates.
This paper will describe key areas of the Chipotle’s code of conduct that are of significant importance to the business, explain key steps that should be taken to ensure that employees follow the code of conduct, and suggest ways in which the restaurant can engage in socially responsive activities in the community within which it operates.
Here is some background information about the restaurant. Chipotle first opened its door in 1993 in Denver, Colorado near the campus of the University of Denver. The founder, Steve Ells, a former culinary arts student and chef, obtained the old Dolly Madison ice cream shop to locate the business. This restaurant serves fast food in a not so traditional fast food model. Ells’ inspiration came from his time spent in San Francisco, eating at little taco shops. Chipotle’s mission statement is “Food with Integrity”. This statement comes from Mr. Ells’ idea of not having producing meats from confined raised animals. Today, Chipotle is still one of the only restaurant’s to serve food from naturally raised animals. Chipotle’s menu includes burritos, fajitas burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and salad. All of the food is served fresh and most of the food is prepared at the restaurant.
Some keys areas of Chipotle’s code of conduct include “Environmental Awareness”, “Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy” and “Government Inquires/Investigation. I believe these areas highlight some of Chipotle’s challenges and strengths in their business operations. The ethics identified here have demonstrated Chipotle’s willingness and commitment to maintaining ethical behavior and social responsibility. It was important for Chipotle to incorporate a policy on Anti-Discrimination due to an EEOC lawsuit against them for disability discrimination. Chipotle was cited for an ADA violation because their counters were too high. Because of the violation and lawsuit, Chipotle established “an official disability policy of bringing ingredients to the tables of diners with disabilities and doing tableside preparation.” Chipotle has redesigned each restaurant that was indicated
