Abstract:
In an increasing domestic and international market competition, businesses cannot ignore ethics due to
the risk to their reputation and increasing internal and external pressures. By considering the importance
of business ethics and the importance and increasing trend in the role played by agro-industries and
agribusiness development efforts in the country, the study aims to investigate business ethics practices
among the food agro-industries in Ethiopia. The study adapted a case study design with the ASHRAF
Group PLC and explored implementation of business ethics practices and four business ethics
dimensions, namely, product safety, employee health and safety, social responsibility (social concern)
and environmental protection. By drawing data from in-depth interviews, questionnaire based survey and
company document review and analysis, the study explored business ethics practices and implementation
in the company. Our Sample size from total population of employees of 268, the estimated sample size
was 158.the final sample size was 166. Overall, the study shows absence of overall and companywide
business ethic guide although there were fragmented and informal activities to deal with business ethics
issues. There were also gaps and rooms for improvement in the four dimensions of business ethics
considered. Although there were gaps and lapse in business ethics practices, it was encouraging to find
positive attitudes and willingness in the company to strive more and implement proper business ethics
practices. The company believes in the importance of business ethics. On the other hand, the company
does not practice business ethics formally. Hence, to practice business ethics formally, the company had
better make use of the following indictors of formal business ethics. These could include written ethical
standards, publication of codes of ethics, training program on business ethics, ethical committee or
ethical officer
