“Business ethics (also known as business ethics) is a form of ethics or professional ethics that examines applied ethical principles and moral or ethical issues that arise in a business environment,” says Wikipedia.1 So what are the principles? and ethical problems that can arise in a catering business? Let’s expand on that point to examine how the following ethical guidelines can help a restaurant founder drive sales and profits in the restaurant business.

The following four principles of ethical behavior can make a difference for any restaurant.

• Environmental responsibility: Following the green trend that is currently gathering momentum can help make the world a better place and add value to the business by attracting environmentally conscious customers. Using organic ingredients, supporting sustainable fishing, using recycled paper, reducing waste, and conserving energy are just some of the fastest growing trends in the restaurant business. Implementing sustainable practices can attract environmentally conscious consumers who could become loyal customers and advocates.

• Fair trade: Fair trade is ethical trade that supports fair wages and working conditions for producers in developing countries. It empowers fishermen, workers and farmers, in addition to protecting the environment. Certified fair trade products, most commonly cocoa, bananas, coffee, sugar, and tea, are grown and harvested in smaller quantities, resulting in fresher, more flavorful foods. Fair trade crops cannot be genetically modified and must be grown using sustainable methods. When consumers choose fair trade products, they not only gain access to quality products, but they also make a difference in the lives of people who grow food. For restaurants, offering fair trade products attracts the attention of potential customers who care about the sustainability of healthy food. In addition, adopting such practices generates higher profits for restaurants.

• Teamwork: it doesn’t matter if it serves the best food in town or has a great location; customers won’t come back if your staff is incompetent and unfriendly. To build a strong, dedicated and happy team, a restaurant owner must show respect, loyalty and compassion to his employees and value them highly. According to Small Business magazine, “An ethical company shows respect for its employees by valuing opinions and treating each employee as an equal. Employees who work for a loyal employer want to maintain the relationship and will work harder to achieve that end.” two.

• Ethical customer relationships: According to Jana Matthews, founder and CEO of Boulder Quantum Ventures, “Focusing on your customers reinforces your responsibility to the marketplace. Your decisions affect your people, your investors, your partners, and, Ultimately, your customers. Serving all of these people is part of your ethical responsibility. Selling your customers short not only jeopardizes your ethics, it also jeopardizes the long-term health of your company. ” . 3

For restaurants, being ethical means being transparent, consistent and committed. Ethical behavior can benefit companies by cultivating productivity, fostering strong teamwork and a positive atmosphere within the team, and making employees want to stay with the company, which can reduce job turnover and increase productivity. Being ethical can also generate desirable publicity and a favorable reputation for businesses. Managing ethics in a company can also keep share prices high, which can attract investors and protect the company from an acquisition.

Implementing workplace ethics in a daily practice will create a culture of respect, high ethical standards, and dignity in your restaurant.

References:

1. Wikipedia: business ethics

2. Small Business: Six Characteristics of an Ethical Business by Cindy Phillips

3. Eight Elements of an Ethical Organization by Jana Matthews, 2002