Abstract
This research paper will provide an in-depth look into the Hershey’s organization and the challenges it faces in the global business environment. Ongoing challenges within the global business environment are often attributed to unethical business practices, the failure to embrace technology advancements, and tough competition among businesses. Hershey’s code of ethical conduct will be addressed, as well as compared and contrasted with two of its competitors. The reader will learn about technological advancements, threats and possible solutions for Hershey. Lobbying strategy will be discussed, as well as Hershey’s global corporate citizenship efforts.
Who is Hershey? The Hershey Company is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and chocolate-related grocery products. The company is also a leader in the gum and mint category. Three key issues that I feel are the most important as a part of Hershey’s company code of ethical conduct are:
Commitment to fellow employees – they treat one another fairly and with respect, valuing the talents, experiences and strengths of their diverse workforce.
Their commitment to consumers – they maintain the trust consumers place in the Hershey brand, providing the best products on the market and adhering to honest marketing practices.
Their commitment to the global community – Hershey’s complies with all global trade laws, protecting natural resources and supporting the communities where they live, work and do business.
Comparison and Contrast of Company Code of Ethical Conduct
Russell Stover and Tootsie Roll Industries are two similar companies within the same industry. This section of the paper will compare and contrast the codes of conduct between Hershey’s, Russell Stover, and Tootsie Roll Industries. Russell Stover is similar to Hershey in that it has a Corporate Code of Conduct. The closest similarity to codes of conduct that I previously addressed with Hershey is:
Russell Stover pledges that they will treat each employee with dignity and respect and will not subject any employee to physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
Russell Stover is committed to strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing employment practices and the use of natural resources.
The harassment corporate code of conduct listed above for Russell Stover is similar to that of Hershey’s commitment to their fellow employees. Both acknowledge treating employees with respect. Both Hershey and Russell Stover have a commitment to the communities in which they operate by adhering to all regulations regarding the use of natural resources. What I did not find in Russell Stover’s Corporate Code of Conduct or their Sustainability Position Statement was anything about their commitment to the consumer.
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc follows a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to ensure that their business is conducted with integrity and in compliance with law. The only similarity with the Hershey benchmarks is:
Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations – states that employees, officers and directors must comply fully with all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations to govern TRI’s business conduct, including, without limitation, antitrust laws, employee health and safety laws, environmental laws, insider trading laws and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
I found it a bit disheartening that Tootsie Roll Industries do not have specific commitments to treating their employees fairly and with respect. There was also no commitment to the consumers listed anywhere in the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. This gives me the impression that Tootsie Roll Industries cares more about protecting the corporation from legal issues than it cares about its consumers and employees.
Ethical Conduct Positive Outcomes and Adverse
