MBA402 Governance, Ethics and Sustainability Report Sample

MBA402 Governance, Ethics and Sustainability

Your Task

You are required to research recent news articles and other information about Uber Eats OR Domino’s. (Choose ONE company only.)

Here are a couple of examples of recent news items describing some ethical issues for these companies and their industry: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jan/29/uber-Eats-accused-of-using-new-contract-to-exploit-australian-delivery-riders 

Your task is to draft a Code of Ethics for either one of Uber Eats OR Domino’s. The word limit is 2000 words.

Assessment Instructions

Your Code of Ethics must specifically address the following areas:

A. Discrimination
B. Exploitation
C. Corruption
D. Dishonest and Fraudulent Behavior
E. Whistleblower Protection
F. Enforcement

You will be required to include a minimum of 8 references in your Code of Ethics, 4 of which must come from academic journals or textbooks.

For further guidance here are the links to three example company codes of ethics:

1. Wesfarmers - https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/docs/default-source/default-document-
library/wesfamers-code-of-conduct.pdf?sfvrsn=181f0ebb_2

2. NAB - https://www.nab.com.au/content/dam/nab/documents/policy/corporate/code-of-
conduct.pdf

3. Woolworths - http://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/183764_Code_of_Ethics.pdf

Solution

Dominos Values

The customer’s experience is paid the highest attention to the core. The customers are the only reason for our presence. We project our appreciation through providing them with quality food and service of superior standard in a clean and bright environment at a higher value (Cernusca, L & Balaciu 2015).  
We are customer centric and thereby provides opportunity, nature talent, leaders development and regarding the achievement. As per the MBA Assignment Experts, We are of the opinion that a  team of qualified individuals with different background working towards a common goal can lead to higher respect and bring higher level of engagement which is essential for the success. 

We ensure that the business is operated on the mechanism of sound ethics which is important for the business. At Dominos we strive to provide high standard of fairness , honesty and integrity. We are accountable individually and responsible in a collective manner(Barman & White 2014).

We undertake the responsibilities in a serious manner and hence build better relation with the customers and communities thereby leveraging the size, scope and resources for making the world a better place to live in

Respectful Workplace 

We strive to provide a positive workplace whereby everyone is treated with due respect. 

Hence it means we all need to:

• treat customers, members and others with respect and dignity

• doing the correct thing and be honest 

• listen and respond in an appropriate manner to the notions of others

• consideration of everything that is said

A.    Discrimination 

It means someone is treated less favorably due to the protected attribute. For instance some is treated les favorably owing to the limited access to training or any other advantage, not promoting anyone or ending anyone’s employment.  Moreover, instance of protected attributes that cannot be a reason for treating in a les favorable manner comprises of:

• Gender, pregnancy, parental status and family responsibilities

• Sexual orientation,  gender expression and identity

• Race, color, religion or ethnicity

• Not paid the same as other with the same credential and experience

There shall be no discrimination by the vendor when it comes to hiring and practices of employment that includes salary, advancement, and termination on the basis of age, nationality, sexual orientation or disability.

Employees must show respect for other person at the workplace. Employees should showcase due respect and respect towards each other empowering a strong culture and positive environment. Employees must encourage mutual respect through helping others in times of conflict as well as problems. Communication should be fostered which will lead to better workplace environment. Employees must encourage teamwork which will help in increment in the productivity and understanding

Employees are expected to treat the customers in a just and fair manner. No mistreatment of the customers shall happen by the employees. The employees must offer the best products with proper pricing and transparency. Employees must act in an ethical manner and provide the customer the best of information that can help them in selecting the desired product. Employees must not discriminate anyone on the basis of race, color, religion or ethnicity. Employees must treat each other as a single unit and should not be biased towards anyone.

B. Anti Corruption

Anti corruption goes against the law and hence undermines the integrity of economy and government. Any form of bribe, payments or kickbacks including any payments to win the business or influencing the business decision should be avoided (Tomlinson et all 20200). It even applies to contractors, consultants, business partners that deals with or on the company’s behalf.  Bribe can be in the form of cash, entertainment or gifts. Our policy of anti-bribery particularly prohibits the payment facilitation. Every division ascertains the role that need training of anti-bribery. Such comprises of senior management, compliances and sourcing for instance the ones who work in risky jurisdictions. If you are in such a role then consistent training is needed for the same.

Employees are expected to conduct business in an impartial manner and should not accept gifts, hospitality or gratuities. Employees should avoid accepting gifts, loans or hospitality from any supplier or competitor that might influence their judgment (PTI 2022). The only payment Dominos will make is the payment to third parties for the goods and services or for charitable donations.

Employees should not make any payment on behalf of the company without any prior knowledge. During the business operations employees should not abuse the company’s assets to enter into act that leads to funds misappropriation. Employees should honor the policies laid down by the firm for protecting the company’s assets and in any adverse situation intimate the management regarding the same. Employees are needed to familiarize and comply with the Anti Corruption policy provided in the code of conduct.

Employee who fails to cooperate are subjected to disciplinary actions. If the code is violated by the employee, relating to corruption the company might impose an action in severity to the code that might attract termination. The decision undertaken by the senior management on the basis of the violation will hold intact. The violation made by the employee will be recorded in the permanent employee record book.

C. Exploitation Policy

Exploitation pertains to the employee’s unfair treatment and can even be stated as an act that treats the employees in an unfavorable manner by paying less than what is deserved thereby forcing them to work for long hours with lower or no pay, failure in creating a safe and hygienic working environment and appropriate measures of safety. Herein, anti-exploitation policies are set up to provide treatment in the payment, safety and security. We respect the employees and encourage their contribution is attaining the company’s success.

We have implemented the concerned measures that ensure no employees or resources are exploited in the company. The company has designed, as well as implemented policies followed by the eradication of any type of exploitation in the premises. Such policies guide the senior executives for safeguarding the stakeholder interest. This policy provides the employees standard working hours, public holidays and the minimum pay needed as per the role for the job. 

The employees are needed to abide by the anti-exploitation policies and the failure of such can lead to termination of the job. The anti exploitation policies has been drafted for creating a better environment for the employees and maintain the decorum of the place. 

The employees are needed to understand the anti-exploitation policies to avoid any unfair treatment. The employee in no way must accept any salary which is below the threshold. Lower pay should never be encouraged. 

Employees should even respect the rights and duties of other employees. No form of exploitation whether upon oneself or other party should be endured. Employees must understand their right and duties which will help them in understanding their rights.

D. Dishonest and Fraudulent Behavior Policy

Dishonest and fraudulent behavior can lead to increase in losses and different trouble for the company. Such behavior is often laced with funds mismatch, loss of funds and clients followed by the reputation (Chung 2019). Dishonesty, as well as fraudulent behavior is a major internal threat. The threat arises due to extensive competition in the industry. The fraud takes place through tampering of essential data, illegal use of information, cash supplies theft and bribery. Dominos being present on the global front faces huge threats. Dominos policies help in evaluating, eliminating and gaining immunity against the wrong committed by employees.  An intolerable approach attitude is framed to deal with the ones displaying the dishonest and improper behavior (Davis, J.S. and Davis & Pesch 2013). 

Employees must avoid engaging in any activity that is opposite to the Group interest and abuse the position of trust to attain any particular personal advantage. 
Employees should avoid entering into collusion with the competitor of Dominos and other business partner. It is essential to avoid collusion with price fixation or the fixing terms of contracts in the market. The material breaches must be reported to the Nomination board and the Appointment committee.
Employee must disclose to the HR through a written statement of any material interest or any other conflicting interest.

E. Whistle-blower Protections Policy

Dominos must implement a confidential Whisleblowing hotline for the employees to raise concerns on which they are uncomfortable. The reporting can be done to the line managers or the concerned officer who they wish to in an anonymous manner. For investigation and action you might be questioned for further information. If you remain anonymous there might be difficulty in procuring the additional information for complete investigation. 

At any time if you observe a behavior that might be a violation of the code, raise the issue at once. We all contain a responsibility to hold colleague responsible for the code standards. The numbers of all leaders are available and accessible and the same can be used when it comes to assistance and interpretation of the policies. 

Employees should contacts the human resources or the supervisor for any unethical act or any behavior which goes against the policies.
Employees must report any violation of the code which can hamper the long term progress of the Company. 

Employees are the first one to witness any wrongdoing in the organization. Employees are expected to uncover any information that can prevent the wrongdoing and damage to the reputation of the organization 

Hence, penalties are created for the maintenance and order fair consequences to the ones who breach the code of conduct. Though the penalties are important, it is important to understand the negative implications of the misconduct. 

Employee is required to refer to the handbook and in case of any dispute refer to the handbook for getting the appropriate resolution (Seow 2016). There should be proper understanding of the rules and acts from the employee handbook whenever any dispute arises. 

F. Enforcement 

Enforcement is defined as the act of ensuring proper compliance with rules, laws, standards and norms. Dominos has duly designed its enforcement policy for major reason that is the tracing of the law violation and undertaking a proper action for the same whenever the need arises. Dominos comply with all the relevant standard of advertising and will not use marketing that might lead to misleading acts. Every advertisement made by the company will be backed up with necessary evidence. Dominos adheres to all the competition and trade laws. All the customers are treated in a just and fair manner and no customer is provided any preferential treatment. Dominos even prohibits consultation and any form of engagement with the rivals in concern to prices or customers. 

The policy is applicable when the enforcement matter is applicable and any changes sought to the policy will require the approval of the Board. The Board of Dominos is entrusted with the approval of the enforcement policy. Policies relating to whistle blower protection, anti exploitation and dishonest practices are dealt with. 

Breaching any law will lead to disciplinary actions and heavy consequences (Henry & Hicks 2015). The employee might be terminated and might even be sued for the unjust actions. In every scenario we want the employees to adhere to the situation and ensure total compliance.

Employees must respect and comply with the rules and regulations which are one of the major aspects when it comes to business function. Employees must be receptive to training and embrace the changes. Employees should follow process and ensure HR policy. Employees should understand  the overall compliance system and ensure that rules and regulations are abide by. 

In all scenarios, you must treat other employees with dignity and respect. It is essential to track with the changing rules and regulations. Make sure you identify the law that applies to your work ethics and implement the changes. 

References

Barman, T. and White, S 2014 Implementing an effective corporate ethics policy. Available at https://www.fm-magazine.com/issues/2014/jun/20149701.html
Burke, R. J. and Tomlinson, E. C 2016, ‘Crime and corruption in organizations: Why it occurs and what to do about it (1st ed.). London, United Kingdom: Routledge
Cernusca, L & Balaciu, D.E 2015, ‘ The Perception of the Accounting Students on the Image of the Accountant and the Accounting Profession’, Journal of Economics and Business Research, vol. 21, no, pp. 7-24

Chung, F. (2019). ‘Can’t change the past’: Retail Food Group boss on how he plans to save the scandal-plagued franchisor. Available at https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/cant-change-the-past-retail-food-group-boss-on-how-he-plans-to-save-the-scandalplagued-franchisor/news-story/0c1b7f2bd56e7fe619654f78b9bae577 Retrieved 4 May 2022 [Retrieved 4 May 2022]

Davis, J.S. and Pesch, H.L 2013,  ‘Fraud dynamics and controls in organizations. Accounting, Organizations and Society’, 38(6), 469-483. Available at http://isiarticles.com/bundles/Article/pre/pdf/17779.pdf Retrieved 4 May 2022Pan, G. and Seow, P.S 2016, ‘Preparing accounting graduates for digital revolution: A critical review of information technology competencies and skills development’,  Journal of Education for Business, vol. 5, no. 1,pp.  1-10. Retrieved 4 May 2022

Henry, B. and Hicks, M 2015, ‘A Survey of Perspectives on the Future of the Accounting Profession’,  The CPA Journal, vol. 85, no. 8, pp. 6-13. Retrieved 4 May 2022
PTI, 2022, Domino's, Honda apologise for hurting sentiments of Indians after Pakistan arm's Kashmir solidarity post Available at: https://www.deccanherald.com/national/dominos-honda-apologise-for-hurting-sentiments-of-indians-after-pakistan-arms-kashmir-solidarity-post-1079655.html [Retrieved 4 May 2022]