...Women vs. Wal Mart Ethical Case Analysis Key Ethical Issue The main ethical issue in the Women and Wal-Mart case is its discrimination of women in the workforce, and how they go hand in hand with the utility, rights, and justice arguments of discrimination. The Utilitarian arguments claim that discrimination leads to inefficient use of human resources. This applies to the Wal-Mart case because they were not getting full use out of their employees because they would often times promote a man instead of a woman, even if she had more experience and was better qualified. Studies conducted by a statistical expert that the six women hired, Richard Drogin, revealed that a much larger amount of men were receiving promotions at every level in the Wal-Mart workplace, even though women’s performance ratings were higher than men’s. Wal-Mart was clearly not promoting or giving benefits to these women because of their gender, and they were stuck underneath the “glass ceiling.” The Rights-based arguments claim that discrimination violates basic human rights. In this case, Wal-Mart didn’t view women to be equal to men because men were receiving the promotions when it should have been the women, as stated before. A Kantian argument also states that a person would not want to be discriminated on the basis of their characteristics that do not affect the person’s ability to perform a job, in this case, being a woman. Wal-Mart is not viewing their male and female employees as equals, as...
Words: 2103 - Pages: 9
...average 5,000 lawsuits filed against Wal-Mart each year. “According to Forbes magazine when an employee starts his shift at 9A.M, three lawsuits will be filed against the company by the time he or she takes a coffee break at 10:30 A.M” (Riper, 2005). Walmart management has violated several employment laws, and they were aware for many years that they had problems companywide concerning Fair Labor Standard Act, but they still chose to ignore it without any sufficient action. The following are just few highlighted and noted violation Walmart has made: * Extensive violation of Child labor * Sexual discrimination (different wages and promotion standards for men and women) * Exploitation of illegal immigrants. * Violation of state regulation, requiring time for breaks and meals. An internal audit of Walmart for one week of time record indicated the following: * 60,767 missed breaks * 15,705 lost meal times * 1,371 instances of minors working long hours or during school hours. Despite the knowledge of this violation's by the management, they still continued to take place till someone filed a lawsuit against the organization. Since 1999 Walmart has settled multiple lawsuits amounting in excess of $500 million. Even with these lawsuits the company hasn't changed the way it handles the employee issues. As of now Walmart has 76 wages, hour and overtime cases still pending against them. Women Vs Wal-Mart Betty Dukes Vs Walmart, which is considered to be...
Words: 1093 - Pages: 5
...Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. vs Dukes The case of Wal-Mart vs Duke which was filed in court June 19, 2001 (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 2017) and it was granted certiorari by the United States Supreme Court for review where the females received billions for the company. There were five other women with Betty Dukes, who started the case. The plaintiff stated that the company was engaged in discrimination against female workers under the violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964. This law was passed by Congress to end racial discrimination, including women so they could feel protected on their job from discrimination. (Brown, 2014) The company did not want to give females promotions, pay decisions, job assignments and did not want to train the females, because the supervisor said that this was not a place or job for females. Wal-Mart now appeals to the Supreme Court, arguing that the class certification does not meet the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(a). “Wal-Mart also claims that class certification was improper under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b) (2) because the employees primarily seek monetary compensation in the form of back pay, and Rule 23(b) (2) does not authorize the certification of claims seeking monetary relief.” (Rumpf, 2011)...
Words: 575 - Pages: 3
...STAFFING AT WAL-MART Staffing at Wal-mart Christopher Rogers Grand Canyon University AMP-34 Human Resources 8/15/10 Staffing at Wal-Mart Title VII is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Discrimination was abundant prior to the amendment. Discrimination was not just limited to race but was becoming clear that gender was as well. As time went on several additions to the act was also incorporated. Discrimination against pregnant women, handicapped people, race, religion just to name a few was a common practice. Title VII was the beginning of many changes to combat discrimination. The government established Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce the anti-discrimination laws. They were allowed to levy fines and other penalties to those employers that discriminated against the protected groups. The EEOC also established a training and information program to assist employers to avoid discriminating. Basically Title VII was to ensure that everyone had the same opportunity regardless of gender, race, handicapped, or any of the other protected groups. At Wal-mart gender equality is still an issue.” Statistics show that females lag behind men in almost all categories. From 1996 to 2001 Wal-Mart had a 50% increase in employment yet, the number of women during the same period declined from 67% to 64%”. (Mark 2003) The Dukes vs., Wal-mart discrimination suit filed in 2000 is still pending. “The case started in 2000, when a 54-year-old Wal-Mart worker in...
Words: 843 - Pages: 4
...Joann Juarez BUS 18A Project Gender Discrimination at Wal-Mart Many women may believe that for one reason or another they have or are being discriminated. Gender discrimination has always been a complicated and difficult problem for women in the workplace. Even though women’s right has come a long way, some believe they are being discriminated from promotions or pay raises. Currently there is a gender discrimination case filed against Wal-Mart. Dukes vs. Wal-Mart is a case where a female feels that she is being unfairly discriminate in workplace because she is a woman. The Dukes vs Wal-Mart case is a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco that began in June 2001. The plaintiff brought the suit against Wal-Mart and Sam’s club alleging pay and promotion discrimination. Betty Dukes, the name plaintiff in the case, join Wal-Mart in 1994 and right away she knew she wanted to stay and grow with the company. Dukes started to notice that available job were rarely post and the store did not have a process for career advancement. She continued to ask her manager for promotion or more responsibility but was continually denied. In 1998, she began receiving retaliatory coaching after a manager claim she always returned late from break and lunches. She notices a lot of male employees were also late coming back from break and lunches but were never discipline. In 1999 after returning from lunch she was demoted from...
Words: 535 - Pages: 3
...Workplace,Business & Ethics on evaluation of job ethical standards in Wal-Mart in South Carolina In Partial Fulfillment of Business Research and Project BUS 499 Nagliesha L Miles Supervisor: Dr. Mmutakaego Chukwuanu Allen University Date: December 8,2010 Table of content Table of Content...............................................................................................................2 Abstract............................................................................................................................3 List of Illustrations Wal-Mart earnings preview......................................................................................13 U.S Retail food pricing.................................................................................14 Chapter 1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................5 Background information.......................................................................................5 Statement of problem............................................................................................5 Hypothesis............................................................................................................6 Chapter 2 Literature Review...........................................................................................................8 Chapter 3 Methodology.................................................
Words: 7052 - Pages: 29
...Diversity in the Workplace / Wal- Mart Case Shirley Nolan October 30, 2011 Class #: 1109MGMT Section: 610514 Turnitin Score: 14% This Research paper is about diversity in the workplace. It also talks about how management handles diversity in the workplace and how they view it. The case that I will be talking about is the Wal-Mart case. This case will also show you how leadership played a very important role in this case when it comes to the managers that work for this company. This case had a big in pack on the retail organizations around the world. Woman that works for Wal-Mart are not given the same advances that the males are in the same position in this company. I also talk about some suggestions that managers at Wal-Mart could have done different to stop this case from going to the Supreme Court on June 20, 2001. One of the most significant issues that management faces today is diversity in the workplace. “Diversity means employing people without discrimination on the basis of gender, age and ethnic or racial background.” (Graves, 1993, p .4). Diversity has important implications for the values of an organization’s culture and for organizational effectiveness. Management is the process by which a person in a supervisory role focuses on planning...
Words: 3603 - Pages: 15
... Globally, Wal-Mart is the second largest revenue generating company. It is surprising to see so many discriminating issues within the company. Women working for the company are consistently treated unfairly, yet other issues exist. It is as if Wal-Mart has fallen into the negative economic routine. The company is guilty of everyday social discrimination; gender discrimination is just one main focus of our discussion. The affects of gender discrimination affect how women are treated, their income, and company policies. Women’s Rights have been an ongoing issue since the beginning of man. It wasn’t until the Women’s Rights Movement that equality began to present itself, amongst women in the workplace. Individuals face many moments in their lives dealing with ethical issues of what is right and wrong. One major ethical issue that the United States has faced in its young history is the fight over equality and discrimination. The evolution of equality in America has been truly substantial, but unfortunately the civilians in our country have yet to overcome all discrimination. There are many laws in this country to prevent workplace discrimination. These laws are designed to protect employees and applicants from unethical treatment. A current ethical issue in the business world today is that of a class action lawsuit against the largest retail store chain in America, Wal-Mart. “The gender discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart is over ten years old...
Words: 1488 - Pages: 6
...! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!! ! ! Did Wal-Mart Wake Up? How Strategic Management Handled Wal-Mart’s Reputation [ABSTRACT] The nation’s largest private corporation and retail giant Wal-Mart has faced multiple opposition from labor unions, grassroots organizations, religious groups, and even from its own employees, impacting its corporate reputation and ultimately its bottom line. This case study will demonstrate the strategic communication Wal-Mart used for its corporate reputation management (CRM). In particular, the case describes the company’s response to criticism regarding its current business policies and practices. Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………3 1. Company History……………………………………………………..5 1.1 Wal-Mart’s Early History: 1960s to 1970s…………………………….5 1.2 Wal-Mart Expands and Goes International: 1980s to 1990s…………...6 1.3 Attack of the Advocacy Groups: 2000 to present……………………....7 1.4 Repercussions…………………………………………………………...8 2. The Issue: Employee Relations and Workers’ Rights…………………9 3. Opposition…………………………………………………………….10 3.1 Labor Union-Funded Groups…………………………………………...11 3.2 Gender Discrimination………………………………………………….12 3.3 Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price……………………………………..13 4. Wal-Mart’s Response……………………………………………………15 4.1 Response to Labor Union-Backer Groups………………………………...16 4.2 Response to Gender Discrimination Lawsuit……………………………..17 4.3 Response to Greenwald’s Film……………………………………………18 4.4 Wal-Marting Across America: Jim and Laura’s...
Words: 18260 - Pages: 74
...! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!! ! ! Did Wal-Mart Wake Up? How Strategic Management Handled Wal-Mart’s Reputation [ABSTRACT] The nation’s largest private corporation and retail giant Wal-Mart has faced multiple opposition from labor unions, grassroots organizations, religious groups, and even from its own employees, impacting its corporate reputation and ultimately its bottom line. This case study will demonstrate the strategic communication Wal-Mart used for its corporate reputation management (CRM). In particular, the case describes the company’s response to criticism regarding its current business policies and practices. Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………3 1. Company History……………………………………………………..5 1.1 Wal-Mart’s Early History: 1960s to 1970s…………………………….5 1.2 Wal-Mart Expands and Goes International: 1980s to 1990s…………...6 1.3 Attack of the Advocacy Groups: 2000 to present……………………....7 1.4 Repercussions…………………………………………………………...8 2. The Issue: Employee Relations and Workers’ Rights…………………9 3. Opposition…………………………………………………………….10 3.1 Labor Union-Funded Groups…………………………………………...11 3.2 Gender Discrimination………………………………………………….12 3.3 Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price……………………………………..13 4. Wal-Mart’s Response……………………………………………………15 4.1 Response to Labor Union-Backer Groups………………………………...16 4.2 Response to Gender Discrimination Lawsuit……………………………..17 4.3 Response to Greenwald’s Film……………………………………………18 4.4 Wal-Marting Across America: Jim and Laura’s...
Words: 18508 - Pages: 75
...! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!! ! ! Did Wal-Mart Wake Up? How Strategic Management Handled Wal-Mart’s Reputation [ABSTRACT] The nation’s largest private corporation and retail giant Wal-Mart has faced multiple opposition from labor unions, grassroots organizations, religious groups, and even from its own employees, impacting its corporate reputation and ultimately its bottom line. This case study will demonstrate the strategic communication Wal-Mart used for its corporate reputation management (CRM). In particular, the case describes the company’s response to criticism regarding its current business policies and practices. Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………3 1. Company History……………………………………………………..5 1.1 Wal-Mart’s Early History: 1960s to 1970s…………………………….5 1.2 Wal-Mart Expands and Goes International: 1980s to 1990s…………...6 1.3 Attack of the Advocacy Groups: 2000 to present……………………....7 1.4 Repercussions…………………………………………………………...8 2. The Issue: Employee Relations and Workers’ Rights…………………9 3. Opposition…………………………………………………………….10 3.1 Labor Union-Funded Groups…………………………………………...11 3.2 Gender Discrimination………………………………………………….12 3.3 Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price……………………………………..13 4. Wal-Mart’s Response……………………………………………………15 4.1 Response to Labor Union-Backer Groups………………………………...16 4.2 Response to Gender Discrimination Lawsuit……………………………..17 4.3 Response to Greenwald’s Film……………………………………………18 4.4 Wal-Marting Across America: Jim and Laura’s...
Words: 18260 - Pages: 74
...strengths is that it’s one of the largest retail outlets. Target is a one stop shop for its consumers. Target also focuses more on product quality and still tries to offer low prices. Target compares prices on over 25,000 items to make sure that they are offering their customers the best price. Target also accepts manufacturer’s coupons making them even more competitive. Target prides itself for focusing on supplier diversity. Target has developed relationships with minority and women owned vendor and suppliers. Target is focused on becoming the industry leader in supplier diversity. (target.com) Weaknesses: Target unfortunately has no international presence; all of their 1,763 stores are located in the U.S. Target’s focus on quality products more so than low prices is also considered a threat. Consumers may tend to shop at Wal-Mart or Dollar Stores due to the economy and the perception that they are much cheaper. Another threat is that it does not have as many stores as its competitor Wal-Mart. (target.com) Opportunities: Target plans on opening stores in Canada in 2013. Target has purchased the leases Zeller’s. Target will operate about 150 stores in Canada between 2013 and 2014. (target.com) Target...
Words: 863 - Pages: 4
...Is Wal-Mart an evil empire? Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the world, the biggest private-sector employer in North America, and one of the most dominant and influential corporations in the America. It has become one of America's most successful retail chains by offering everyday goods at low prices for working families, and despite all of its financial successes, the company can’t open a store without enduring -- and overcoming -- a flood of protest groups. These groups might defend the environment or local store owners, or they might defend the store’s future employees, since Wal-Mart’s reputation for unfair labor practices involves sexual discrimination, denying unionization and offering wages so terrible that some employees have to rely on social services to get by. Although Wal-Mart portrays an image of servitude and charity to the community, this multi-million corporation is responsible for inhumane, unjust and shameful practices in the United States and abroad, and whether people Love it or hate it, Wal-Mart is, in many places and for many people, inescapable. Much like work and taxes and eventual death. There is no question that Wal-Mart's relentless drive to squeeze out costs has benefited consumers, but Some experts contend Wal-Mart's "everyday low prices" are causing a clash between the interests of Americans as workers and the desires of Americans as consumers. "If people were only consumers, buying things at lower prices would be just good...
Words: 1785 - Pages: 8
...in 1962, Wal-Mart has grown to be the largest corporation in the world. Wal-Mart is revolutionizing the way the retail items are passed from producer to end-user by drastically cutting costs at every opportunity and demanding the same of their suppliers. These savings passed onto the consumers has not come without a price! Where some see a discount or a job opportunity, others see an empire that pulls the rug out of existing businesses. For years, Wal-Mart has been accused of a number of criminal actions and questionable ethical practices. Many people, from all walks of life, find themselves discussing (and some even arguing) the topic: “Is Wal-Mart good for America?” Many blame this modern trend of globalism, the outsourcing of manufacturing, the closing of mom & pop stores and independent grocers on Wal-Mart. But the question that must be asked is as follows: Is Wal-Mart really to blame for all the things that they are being accused of? After all, aren’t the consumers fueling Wal-Mart’s position as the number one retailer in the world by their constant search for the lowest possible price? And don’t we have a choice as to where we should shop and isn’t it our responsibility to avoid businesses that we deem are unethical? Is Wal-Mart unethical or are they just misunderstood? Background Wal-Mart has been forced to defend itself against several lawsuits that were filed against them. In the case; Cynthia Haddad vs. Wal-Mart stores, Inc. Wal-Mart was found...
Words: 4304 - Pages: 18
...behold who has four members of its’ family in the top twenty of the richest people on the planet? The wealthiest family on earth, the Walton’s, whom control the world’s largest revenue public corporation, Wal-Mart (The World’s Billionaires). The American multinational retail corporation manages chains of large discount department stores. The corporation is also the world’s largest private employer with approximately 2.2 million employees; the company’s employee roll exceeds the population of over 50 countries in the world including Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, Iceland and Suriname. Walmart is essentially the largest retailer in the entire world. The company, which is controlled by the Walton family who own a 48% stake, have been bashed in the media time and time again for “failing America.” Applause must be given to the Mega Corporation, they came from being just one department store to a multi-billion dollar corporation however, the treatment of Wal-Mart’s employees and the greediness of Wal-Mart’s owners combine to make it a monster corporation with negative effects on both individuals and competing companies. To be reasonable, we must touch on the benevolence of Wal-Mart because to be a $465 billion dollar corporation they must be doing something correct, right? The children of Wal-Mart's founder, Sam Walton, in contrast to its workers, are billionaires. Does that make them greedy or just lucky? They would not talk to ABC News on the topic but billionaire Ted Turner an American...
Words: 1610 - Pages: 7
