Describe Procedures Starbucks Has in Place to Ensure Ethical Behavior

Ethics and compliance is an important staple in many organizations across the country especially one as big as this one. The Starbucks name and reputation was built on a foundation of trust and ethical behavior from the very seed and idea it came from. Howard Schultz chairman, president and chief executive officer said it best in a letter to his fellow partners "Each of us is personally responsible for supporting our core values, which require compliance with the law as well as ethical conduct. We have issued the Standards of Business Conduct to restate our longstanding commitment to uphold that responsibility and to provide guidance to our partners." (2010 Starbucks Coffee Company). Starbucks has in place Standards of Business Conduct, helpline, web line, managers, and many other resources to ensure this is taking place.

An effective organizational culture should encourage ethical and discourage unethical behavior. Unfortunately, unethical behavior may end up costing an organization. Starbucks reputation for the finest coffee in the world, legendary customer service and the highest integrity is the direct result of their relentless collective efforts as a company. It is imperative for Starbucks to have procedures in place. They have even created in ethical decision-making framework in their business. It can be found on their "Ethics and compliance handbook" (Standards of business conduct). Here are a few listed below:

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

* Identify the ethical problem.

* List possible solutions and any obstacles to resolving the problem.

* If the path isn't clear, ask for guidance.

If a partner of Starbucks is unsure of what to do, they have unlimited support, resources to guide them.

Starbucks also provides a toll free number, which partners' may use to ask questions or raise concerns. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and an interpreter can be made available upon request. They also have an online tool that serves as another way for partners to ask for guidance or voice concerns called a web line. Reasonable efforts are made to protect the security of any personal data collected and to avoid unauthorized use or disclosure of such data. This information can be found in a booklet called "Asking for Guidance and Voicing Concerns" which is available in accessible formats. For more information partners can contact diversity@starbucks.com.

Starbucks requires all core values by each and every partner by law, as well as ethical conduct and behaviors. If any partner feels these standards have not been met, they have access and the right to communicate to the following resources, partners,