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 Bahir Dar Edible Oil Company of 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. 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 study also provides a wakeup call to
other companies to clearly outline, design and implement business ethics in their strategy and
operations. In addition, it is also a significant input for regulators to review, assess and design
policies and mechanisms to ensure companies in the sector undertake necessary measures to
address issues of business ethics.
