Chipotle: Method of Conduct

¶ … company's code of conduct that are of significant importance to the business, and explain why.

Chipotle is by a far a leader in its division and a leader among all fast-food restaurants in general. Chipotle is truly unlike any other Mexican restaurant in its category. Other Mexican restaurants like Taco Bell and Del Taco use extremely processed ingredients that are known for having lots of fillers and preservatives. The food is known to be high in fat, cholesterol, and trans fats. Furthermore, other fast-food Mexican restaurants engage in the standard practice of having the food prepared in the back of the restaurant, away from the gaze of the customer. Chipotle is different in the respect that they prepare the food right in front of the customer, so that the customer sees exactly what they're getting. Chipotle also prides itself on using the freshest possible ingredients and putting a healthier spin on Mexican food. In that regard, Chipotle is a leader not only in their category, but in fast food in general. This aspect puts added pressure on the company to ascribe to a higher code of conduct so that they are forced to act like a leader not just in product, but in service and in deed as well.

One of the major aspects about this code of conduct is the fact that Chipotle treats their employees like the well-rounded, thinking individuals that they are. "You are expected to use good judgment, adhere to high ethical standards, and avoid situations that create an actual or perceived conflict between your personal interests and those of Chipotle. Chipotle requires that the transactions you participate in are ethical and within the law, both in letter and in spirit" (chipotle.com, 2013). All team members must know that if they're ever in doubt regarding what to do, they can always draw upon the help and guidance of their team leader or manager.

Another key element of this code of conduct falls under the umbrella of the importance of confidentiality. Part of the reason that Chipotle has such a major competitive edge in its industry is because it has the advantage of originality. In order for it to maintain that competitive edge, it has to maintain that high level of originality by guarding its secrets extremely closely. Thus, the code of conduct requires that all employees do the same as well. Employees need to understand that as team members they're under the same obligation to keep the secrets of the company incredibly private. The same goes for the aspects of the company protocol, which aren't "secret" but which shouldn't be revealed to others: the Chipotle processes and philosophy also need to be kept in confidence as well. Thus, the Chipotle Code of Conduct specifies that employees "…may not use proprietary or confidential information for personal gain or to Chipotle's detriment. The improper use of Chipotle's name, trademarks, or other intellectual property is prohibited. Confidential information must not be disclosed to anyone outside of Chipotle, and should not be discussed with Chipotle employees who do not have a real need to know this information in order to do their jobs" (chipotle.com). Thus, employees have the obligation to not only complete the basics in connection to their jobs, such as showing up on time, and executing tasks effectively; these employees also have the obligation to ensure that they make direct contributions to a high level of privacy and confidentiality.

2. Explain the key steps that the company should take to ensure that employees follow the code of conduct.

The company has the obligation to ensure that all employees are able to follow the code of conduct: the foremost way that the company can do this is via environment: the company needs to actively create an environment where all employees feel as though they are expected to follow the code. The employees need to be in a balanced and healthy work environment, but one which makes it abundantly clear that the code will be followed no matter what. Part of the way that this can be achieved is by having leaders and managers that lead by example. Once leaders and managers make it clear that the code will be followed by them and that expectation extends to all employees, then individuals will be more likely to adhere to these standards set. Reminders and incentives should be in place to help inspire employees to follow the code of conduct, so that employees feel like they have a vested interest in following this code. For example, certain rewards or designations like "employee of the month" can be used to inspire loyalty and build morale, making employees naturally feel like they want to protect the interests of the company.