Walmart can be viewed through two very different lenses. Some think the company represents all that is wrong with America, while others love it. In response to criticism, and in an attempt to initiate goodwill with consumers, the company has continued to improve stakeholder relationships and make efforts to demonstrate it is an ethically responsible company.

Although it has faced controversy regarding competition, suppliers, employees, and global corruption, among other things, it has also demonstrated concern for sustainability initiatives and social responsibility. Its goals of decreasing its waste and carbon emissions and its new Sustainability Index extend to all facets of its operations, including suppliers.

These efforts demonstrate Walmart’s desire (whether through genuine concern for the environment or for its own bottom-line profits) to become a more sustainable company. Similarly, Walmart’s creation of a sophisticated global ethics and compliance program shows it has come a long way since its beginning, when formal ethics programs were deemed unnecessary. However, without strong monitoring systems and a commitment from top management to enforce the company’s ethics policies, such efforts will prove fruitless. Overseas bribery scandals and employee discontent have tarnished Walmart’s reputation. As a result, the company is working to improve internal control mechanisms and supplier auditing. Both critics and supporters of Walmart alike are waiting to see whether Walmart’s efforts will position the company as a large retailer truly dedicated to social responsibility.

Questions:-

1. Assess how Walmart is managing ethics and social responsibility as one of the largest corporations in the world.
2. Evaluate various ethical issues Walmart has faced and how the company responded to stakeholders.
3. What are Walmart’s contributions to improving the well-being of consumers and the economic sustainability of society?