What Are the Problems That Wal-Mart Has Faced, and What Has the Company Done to Address Them

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , is an icon of American business. From sm all in all-town business to multinational, from hugely controversial to a loss leader in renewable energy, Wal-Mart has long been a lightning rod for news and criticism. With 2008 gross revenue of over $405. 6 billion and more than two million employees humanswide, the worlds largest public corporation must carefully manage galore(postnominal) different stakeholder relationships. It is a challenge that has sparked significant debate.Although Wal-Mart reportedly can prevent the average family $3,200 annually, the company has historically received plenty of criticism regarding its intervention of employees, suppliers, and economic impacts on communities. Feminists, activists, and labor union leaders have all voiced their beliefs that Wal-Mart has engaged in misconduct in order to allow for low prices. However, Wal-Mart has been turning over a new leaf. New emphases on diversity, charitable giving, and sustainability have contributed to Wal-Marts revitalized image.The story of Wal-Mart and its low prices includes twain positive and negative impacts on society. Positively, Wal-Mart reportedly saves consumers over $287 billion annually, compare to about $950 per person. On the flip side, research awards that communities can be negatively impacted by Wal-Marts arrival in their areas. This analysis attempts to show both sides of the controversy. It begins by briefly examining the growth of Wal-Mart, and then discusses Wal-Marts different relationships with its stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers, and employees.Some of the ethical issues concerning these stakeholders include accusations of discrimination, illegal immigration issues, and leadership misconduct as demonstrated by Wal-Mart former vice chair Thomas Coughlin. Yet, in an effort to show Wal-Marts attempts to position itself as a socially responsible company, this case also examines Wal-Marts sustainability plans, its ethical initiatives, and former chief operating officer Lee Scotts impressive leadership qualities. The analysis concludes by play up Wal-Marts strategy during the most recent recession and recovery.