Code of Ethics | Target Corporation (2024)

FAQs

How can a corporate code of ethics help a company to be ethical? ›

Creating a code of ethics can help a business establish a clear standard of behavior, build trust with customers and stakeholders, improve employee morale and retention, mitigate legal risks, and demonstrate leadership and social responsibility.

We uphold our values and deliver on our purpose by doing what's right for Target, our team and guests. Each Target team member is required to follow the law, the Code of Ethics, “the Code,” and Target's policies and procedures.

Target is committed to the highest ethical standards. Our commitment to driving a strong ethical culture is reflected in the way we do business and the actions we take.

The biggest ethical challenge that Target has encountered is a credit and debit card data breach thought to exceed $700 million—the biggest retail hacking in U.S. history to date.

Business ethics enhances the law by outlining acceptable behaviors beyond government control. Corporations establish business ethics to promote integrity among their employees and gain trust from key stakeholders, such as investors and consumers.

They help to: Establish clear standards of behaviour and provide guidance on how to act in a manner that is consistent with the values and principles of an organization. Promote ethical behaviour. Prevent wrongdoing.

Associates who work at Walmart are expected to operate based on our high standards and values — respect, service, excellence and integrity. Acting consistently with these values demands that a culture of integrity guides all our decisions.

At McDonald's we hold ourselves and conduct our business to high standards of fairness, honesty, and integrity. We are individually accountable and collectively responsible. We take seriously the responsibilities that come with being a leader.

There shall be no discrimination based on race, creed, gender, marital or maternity status, religious or political beliefs, age or sexual orientation. Wherever NIKE operates around the globe we are guided by this Code of Conduct and we bind our contractors to these principles.

Target is committed to responsible and ethical business conduct. Respect for human rights and environmental stewardship are fundamental principles of our business practices and standards. We expect our suppliers to share those principles and uphold our standards.

Is Target or Walmart more ethical? ›

We have found Target, Walmart's competitor, to be a much better example of corporate social responsibility. Target has never been involved in protests or litigation, as Walmart commonly is. Surprisingly, Target does not pay its employees more, on average, than Walmart does. Target may even pay less.

We care about our team. At Target, we foster a culture where we can care, grow and win together. We invest in our team by giving them opportunities to grow professionally, take care of themselves, each other and their families and make a difference for Target guests and their communities.

Here are some examples of the types of lawsuits that have been filed against Target: Excessive force from employees or security. Negligent security. Injuries involving Target's cart lifts (vermaport)

Unfortunately, the company has a long history of accusations of race discrimination against employees. In the last decade, Target has paid out millions of dollars to settle employment discrimination claims.

The problems the company has faced have been enormous: The Covid-19 pandemic and the inflation surge that erupted after the pandemic eased. Too much inventory in 2022 and, worse, inventory customers didn't want. More than half the inventory in 2022 was in discretionary goods.

Business ethics, the application of moral principles in a business setting, plays a pivotal role in shaping a company's reputation and success. It entails adhering to values and standards that promote transparency, fairness, and honesty in business interactions.