In the complex global business environment
All companies face ethical issues. Although some of these ethical dilemmas are specific to the industry the company is in, others are common to all types of organizations. Bones, (2014), states that the ethics of businesses and their employees are under scrutiny than ever before because now there is more knowledge in the public arena about what companies do and how they operate. Consequently, the public is interested in how well organizations treat their customers, how they take care of the environment and how they make fair contributions to the communities where they live. One company which faces major ethical dilemmas is the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The purpose of this paper is therefore to provide a discussion about the ethical dilemmas faced by KFC.
KFC is one of the known food restaurants in the world
The company specializes in fried chicken and has its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, US. Currently, KFC operates in 74 countries all over the world prides itself as being the only fast-food restaurant that gives customers great tasting chicken. Also, the company boasts of having suppliers who are committed not only to animal welfare but also to maintaining high standards (Hussain, 2014). Despite boasting of being the second largest restaurant chain after McDonalds, KFC is facing a multitude of ethical dilemmas.
Misleading Advertisements and Unhealthy Cooking Products
It has been observed that the advertisements by KFC some of them are misleading. Also, KFC has in the past been accused of using unhealthy cooking products. The oils used by the company were said to contain Tran's fatty acids which increase the risk of having obesity and heart disease (Hussain, 2014). People are nowadays more concerned with their health than ever before because of the information available on the internet. For instance, consumers can find all sorts information on the internet about the nutritional content of fast foods. The reason for increased concern of consumers is that there has been a big change in the mix of shareholders in companies. This combination affects how businesses behave and how they are run (Bones, 2014).
Pressure to Offer Healthier Foods
KFC is being pressured by consumers, government agencies and special interest groups to offer healthier foods. Since people are sharing their opinions on KFC with millions of others on social media platforms, KFC is facing a big dilemma because it had already gained negative publicity for providing unhealthy food. Another ethical issue facing KFC is that it never mentions in any of its adverts that long-term consumption of fast food leads to obesity. Instead the company promotes their products and makes it look like eating fast foods is fashionable and a modern lifestyle. Besides, the food is made to look tasty, healthy and nutritious (Hussain, 2014). This kind of advertisement is misleading especially to young people.
Importance of Adhering to Ethical Standards
I chose this issue because it is important for fast food restaurants such as KFC to adhere to ethical standards and provide healthy foods. Also, it is unethical for companies to offer communication messages that are misleading. Moreover, at a time when a lot of people are suffering from dreadful diseases such high blood pressure, it is not right for food restaurants to provide unhealthy foods. The issue is currently in the media spotlight because of the rising incidences of obesity among children which has been attributed to the consumption of unhealthy food.
Conclusion
In summary, the dilemmas surrounding business ethics has attracted an enormous amount of attention from consumers and interest groups who demand businesses to behave ethically. The media also seems to be keeping an eye on ethical malpractices and abuses. Therefore for KFC to earn the respect of its customers and win their trust, it should provide healthy foods and advocate for healthy diet and exercise in their ads.
References
Bones, C. (2014). Why business ethics are under the spotlight. Retrieved from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/business/manchester-business-school/10646719/business-ethics.html
Hussain, S. (2014). The impact of sensory branding (five senses) on consumer: A case study on KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). International Journal of Research in Business Management, 2(5), 2347-4572.
