In order to build an Ethical Organization Profile it is very important to understand the culture and operations of the business. Kudler Fine Foods is an upscale specialty food provider. Kudler places strong emphasis on quality and the ability to provide one stop shopping for the finest foods across a large spectrum of products. The company currently has three locations that boast 8,000 square feet of retail space which host six specialty departments. Kudler Fine Foods has a fresh bakery, fresh produce, a butcher shop with meat and seafood, packaged foods, cheese and specialty dairy, and most importantly fine wines. The owner, Kathy Kudler, is aware that it is through her customers’ satisfaction that her stores will find success. Kudler connects with its customers with a knowledgeable staff that promises to make the shopping experience delightful and pleasing.
While Kudler Fine Foods’ vision is to be the premier gourmet grocery store for savvy customers, Kudler does not ignore their social responsibility, “Kudler Fine Foods uses only the finest organic ingredients. Whenever possible, we purchase local produce from organic farmers. We use unbleached flour in our bakery goods and we don’t add unnecessary preservatives to our products. Food is rotated from the shelves on an ongoing basis. Those items that are still in “good” condition are donated to local homeless shelters and food kitchens” (Apollo Group, Inc., 2007). It is through philanthropic acts that Kudler stays connected with its surroundings and establishes the groundwork of the business ethical culture.
Kudler Fine Foods takes positive steps when dealing with the cultural norms it wishes to establish, however, the business leaves ethical gaps that have been overlooked and have allowed for a few ethical dilemmas to surface. The first and most glaring ethical problem or dilemma lies with Kudler’s compensation philosophy and procedures. The current policy allows too
References: Addy, R. (2008). Food and Drink distribution has 'Fatal Flaws '. Food Manufacture, 83(11), 24. Apollo Group Inc. (2007). Kudler Fine Foods. Retrieved from http://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/CIST/VOP/Business/Kudler2/index.htm Chilled food strikes a fine deal. (2008). Food Manufacture, 83(11), , 24. Kaptein, M. (2009). Ethics Programs and Ethical Culture: A next step in unraveling their multifaceted relationship. Journal of Business Ethics, 89(2), 261-281. doi:10.1007/s10551-088-9998-3 Trevino, L., & Nelson, K. (2007). Manageing Business Ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.