The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory has been one of the more successful chain restaurants in recent years because they have provided great food and outstanding customer service in a fun atmosphere. The cheesecake factory employs a high standard of general conduct and moral aptitude. As a chief executive officer in today’s society, it is my responsibility to ensure The Cheesecake Factory abides by the laws and ethical duties that are mandated by today’s society. There is a copious amount of benefits to being a chief executive officer, however there is an equal amount of risk as chief executive officers are held liable for almost any action or infraction that their company has induced.
The Cheesecake Factory requires all their employees to comply with a high standard of conduct by enforcing a strict code of ethics. The key elements of our code of ethics is the general standards of conduct, compliance with the laws, the obligation to communicate and the professionalism and conduct of our supervisors. The general standards of conduct promotes a “relationship of trust, loyalty, honesty and responsibility among staff members at all levels” (The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated, 2006). One major component to the general standards of conduct is the dignity and respect that each staff member is responsible for treating each other with and extending that same conduct to our guests. When a staff is treating each other with respect and dignity, it promotes a pleasant atmosphere because the staff tends to receive more enjoyment and satisfaction from their occupation. Complying with the laws is paramount in running a business successfully. Non-compliance can lead to more than just fines and possible punitive action within the company, it can also lead to jail or prison time. Anytime an employee fails to comply with the law it can lead to negative effect or perception the community and consumers have on The Cheesecake Factory. Embezzlement within the company can lead to mistrust between stock holders, consumers and the company, along with putting the responsible parties associated with the crime behind bars. Communication is the most important aspects to running a successful business. Inefficient communication can negatively impact the company in various ways. If there is harassment or our equal opportunity obligations are not being maintained, it can lead to hostility, distrust and loss of respect between staff members and it could potentially lead to emotionally distraught staff members, poor customer service and even a lawsuit. Also, The Cheesecake Factory requires all staff members to cooperate with investigations of possible violations. The Cheesecake Factory has developed an employee staff relations hotline to help prevent these potential outcomes and resolve any situations that do not coincide with The Cheesecake Factory’s code of ethics. The last key element to The Cheesecake Factory’s code of ethics is the supervisor’s roles and responsibilities. Supervisors are the personnel for ensuring the cooperation and enforcement of the Cheesecake Factories code of ethics. Supervisors are responsible for knowing the company’s policies and conducting themselves in a professional matter. Managers and supervisors are responsible for disciplining staff members in a private setting upon the breach of the policies and the code of ethics.
The Cheesecake Factory is dedicated to giving back to the community. The Cheesecake Factory Oscar & Evelyn Overton Charitable Foundation was founded in 2001 as a non-profit organization. The Organization “exists to fulfill its mission through enhancing the well-being of its surrounding communities” (The Cheesecake Factory). The company could also give back to the community by assisting schools and other organizations by having fund raising nights where kids and parents can help deliver food while raising money for their organization. Another way The Cheesecake Factory can give back to the community is by donating food to a local food bank that is about to expire or is going to be thrown out at the end of the night.

References
Code of Ethics and Code of Business Conduct. (2006, March 1). Retrieved December 15, 2014, from http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/IROL/10/109258/Code_of_ethics.pdf
The Cheesecake Factory. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2014, from http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/corporate-social-responsibility/