Introduction
The practice of code of conduct and promoting ethical behaviour is essential in a business organization whether small or large. In a business firm, integrity and loyalty creates a positive work environment which is important in strengthening the investors’ and stakeholders’ confidence in the company. At Cheesecake factory the code of ethics and business conduct is meant to facilitate the compliance of the company with the legal requirements. The code of ethics and business conduct in Cheesecake Factory are set for Executive Officers, Senior Financial Officers and Directors. The code of conduct and ethics are collectively and directly applied to the Company’s Board of Directors and to the staff of the factory. All its employees as well as Board Members have to follow and must be abide by policies and procedures with respect to set standards of conduct.
At Cheesecakes Factory the relationship of responsibility, trust, loyalty, and honesty among the employees and staff members are encouraged. We believe in respecting each of our staff member and to celebrate the diversity of our workforce. This inspires us to achieve excellence in our business. It is the responsibility of every staff member to understand and follow our set code of ethics as well as all of our policies and procedures. We all should also always uphold our company’s interests in all the times (Code of Ethics and Code of Business Conduct, 2006). There is no tolerance for any kind of discriminatory behaviour, such as sexual harassment. There is also prohibition against drug or alcohol and abuse among the staff members in the workplace. The compliance with the policies is vital to form corporate philosophy. This is the responsibility of staff members to have loyalty for the company and the stockholders, and therefore, should not indulge in the situations that create conflict of interest with the company (Amended and Restated Code of Ethics, 2004).
As per the policy of company the staff members as well as members of board should not be engaged with a relative or a known entity in case of company business. With the help of this policy no one in the company can use his position and authority for personal gain. If there is such business interests are seen, the staff members are advised to report it to their supervisor so that no conflict of interest might arise. The Board of Directors of the Cheesecake Factory Incorporated have made it a fundamental duty to ensure the effective practice of executive leadership may take place so that the leadership could execute a long term strategy for the company (Sims, 2003).
The employees of Cheesecake Factory Incorporated must not be simultaneously employed by a customer, competitor, supplier or contractors and they are expected to give their full attention as well as devotion to the company. The confidentiality of the company needs to be maintained in every case. The company may rescind the approval for outside employment in case it is deemed not to be in the company’s best interests. It must be remembered by the employees to not to solicit outside work during the company’s premises. The staff member cannot accept to serve as outside director of the contractor, supplier or competitor of the company, while serving as a staff member of the company unless it is approved by company’s CEO. In addition to this, the business opportunity related with the company may not be taken for personal benefit (Schwartz, 2011).
The Cheesecake Factory, along with bakery production facility, corporate center and other company’s facilities should give a welcoming atmosphere for the guests, staff members, vendors, and applicants. Solicitation of non-Company related goods, services, organizations or personal philosophies and beliefs on our premises during working hours is prohibited unless specifically approved in advance by the Company President or a President of a restaurant or bakery division. Also any Company-sponsored event, such as a sporting event, picnic or party, must be approved in advance by the Company President or a President of a restaurant or bakery division. All the events and activities sanctioned by the company must be made available to all staff members in every applicable group and at every restaurant location (Schwartz, 2011). The managers as well as the supervisors of the company have a special obligation for not endorsing non-company related products, services or organizations, as staff members may interpret it as a condition of employment to purchase, accept or participate in such activity. Solicitation is prohibited unless it is specifically approved by the president of a restaurant or the bakery division of the company.
The code of conduct of our company also upholds the norm of not ending the ethics by the staff member with the separation of employment. The former staff member of the company may not disparage the Company or its officers during or after employment in an attempt to discredit the Company, its assets, and/or future growth.
Conclusion
Cheesecakes Factory Incorporated gives its staff members a responsibility to help in enforcing the code of ethics. The staff members are also expected to ensure all the suppliers and contractors to get be knowledgeable about adhere to these standards, and practise the same ethics. In addition to this, the staff members are also expected to cooperate with the external or internal investigation as to possible violations of our Code of Ethics. The company must make full, accurate, fair, proper and timely disclosures in reports and documents that it files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its other public communications. The Chief Executive Officer of the company is responsible for the fair presentation of Company’s financial position and results of operations, and is also responsible for the effective operation of the Company’s overall system of accounting and administrative controls and procedure.
References
Amended and Restated Code of Ethics. (2004). Retrieved on December 11, 2013 from http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/IROL/10/109258/CG/code%20of%20ethics%20for%20executives.pdf
Schwartz, M.S. (2011). Corporate Social Responsibility: An Ethical Approach. US: Broadview Press.
Sims, R.R. (2003). Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Why Giants Fall. US: Greenwood Publishing Group.
