Walmart: an Ethical Analysis
“And we've become very doubtful of our information sources, because they're all controlled by these huge multilateral corporations.” 1 – Brian De Palma. At first glance, one can realize that Palma attempts to convey the simple message that large corporations have the influence to change the way people think. However, if his message is examined in even more detail, we can come to the realization that corporations are more influential than any other form of system; whether it is government or civil society. Thus, it is fair to argue that businesses can be at the topmost position of our triangulation model of influence 2. Furthermore, it can also be stated that corporations and businesses, indirectly control the fate of civil society and are to be held responsible for the well-being of the general population. With power comes responsibility, and a corporation should be responsible for the well being of not only its employees but every stakeholder that it affects. However, the largest corporation of them all, Wal-Mart, has repeatedly decided to overlook all of it’s social responsibilities. With annual revenues exceeding $400 billion3, Wal-Mart has been involved in numerous issues regarding unfair treatment against it’s employees. Issues such as poor working conditions, low wages, lack of health insurance and anti-union approaches have shown Wal-Mart to be a corporation that mainly focuses on a single-bottom line approach. Wal-Mart’s unethical practices are not only present in the United States, but also in countries like China, Bangladesh and others all over the world.
Recognize the Moral Impacts
Primary Stakeholders Interests/Stakes
Shareholders
Benefits • When Wal-Mart makes profits, even with the ethical issue, shareholders and stockholder are able to benefit the most. Harms • If Wal-Mart decreases their ethical issues, they just might as well incur losses in their stock prices which will bring harm and loss to stake/shareholders Rights Exercised •
Recognize the Moral Impacts
Primary Stakeholders Interests/Stakes
Shareholders
Benefits • When Wal-Mart makes profits, even with the ethical issue, shareholders and stockholder are able to benefit the most. Harms • If Wal-Mart decreases their ethical issues, they just might as well incur losses in their stock prices which will bring harm and loss to stake/shareholders Rights Exercised •