About the Company:
Founded:1930 by Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky, USA
Parent Company: Yum! Brands, Inc.
Global Presence: Over 25,000 restaurants in 145+ countries
Core Product: Fried chicken, burgers, and fast-food meals
Ethical Focus:
As a global fast-food brand, KFC faces challenges related to food quality, supply
chain ethics, and animal welfare.
Introduction to KFC
3.
Definition:
Business ethics areprinciples and standards that guide behavior in the world of
business.
They ensure honesty, fairness, and responsibility in company operations.
Examples in Business:
Fair labor practices
Honesty in advertising
Respect for the environment
Quality and safety of products
What Are Business Ethics?
4.
Background:
In the early2000s, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals) accused KFC suppliers of cruel practices toward
chickens.
Claims included overcrowding, rough handling, and
inhumane slaughtering.
Case Study – Animal Welfare Controversy
5.
Introduced Animal WelfareAdvisory Council.
Partnered with suppliers meeting welfare standards.
Updated supplier code of conduct to ensure humane
treatment.
Ethical Lesson:
Transparency and accountability in supply chain ethics build
trust with consumers.
KFC’s Response:
6.
Issues:
In some countries,employees reported low pay and long hours.
Limited healthcare and training opportunities in earlier years.
KFC’s Response:
Implemented employee training programs and leadership development.
Launched Heartstyles program to improve workplace ethics and respect.
Promotes gender equality and youth employment globally.
Real Example:
KFC Asia launched “R.E.D. Program” (Recognition, Education, Development) to
empower young workers.
Labor & Employment Ethics
7.
Challenges:
Use of non-biodegradablepackaging.
Carbon footprint from chicken farming and transport.
KFC’s Actions:
Introduced eco-friendly packaging (paper straws, recyclable boxes).
Reduced food waste through digital ordering and efficiency.
Commitment: 100% recoverable/reusable packaging by 2025
Environmental and Sustainability Ethics
8.
Issues:
Accusations of misleadingads and targeting children with unhealthy
food.
KFC’s Response:
Promotes nutritional transparency — calorie counts available online.
Introduced healthier menu options (grilled chicken, salads).
Follows advertising codes set by Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA).
Advertising and Consumer Ethics
9.
✅ Developed KFCGlobal Code of Conduct
✅ Established Food Safety & Quality Assurance programs
✅ Focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability
✅ Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce
Ethical Improvements by KFC
10.
Key Takeaways:
Ethical challengescan damage brand image quickly.
Transparency and accountability restore public trust.
Global companies must adapt ethics to local cultures.
Ethical leadership is a continuous process, not a one-time act
Analysis – Ethical Lessons
11.
KFC’s journey showsthat business success must go hand-in-hand
with ethics.
Despite facing global criticism, KFC has learned, adapted, and
improved its standards in animal welfare, sustainability, and
employee care.
“Doing good is good business — ethics is the heart of
sustainability.”
Conclusion
