Wal-Mart is finding severe resistance to its expansion into New England and California. From Wal-Mart’s perspective, draw the stakeholder map. Define the true goals of the opponents of Wal-Mart. Include a consideration of the following:
(a) Stopping Wal-Mart’s expansion,
(b) Preserving the status quo (e.g., downtown community, social fabric),
(c) Developing a cause that will pay their bills,
(d) Fighting for an ideology, or
(e) Something else. What should Wal-Mart do?

The small town was in need of a hired gun. The people were tired of dealing with the local price-fixing merchant scum who ran the town like a company store. This low-life bunch held the people of the town in a death grip; the townspeople believed they overcharged on every purchase. In spite of what appeared to be a case of collusion, the law was powerless to do anything. What competition there was had been effectively eliminated.

SOLUTION

Wal-Mart’s primary emphasis is on the consumer stakeholder. However, it is its relationships with other stakeholders, specifically the government, local and global communities, its employees and the environment that impact its ability to expand into new areas. Opponents of Wal-Mart fear that while the company provides low-price alternatives to consumers, it also has the ability to drive out local competition. This eliminates the consumer’s right to choose (i.e., the right to ensure that competition is working effectively), a right identified by the Consumer’s Magna Carta. Thus, opponents are concerned that Wal-Mart’s continued expansion may have the effect of actually limiting consumer choice in the long-run, as well as a detrimental impact on small-town culture. Specifically, as downtown stores close and Wal-Mart becomes one of the only sources for certain goods, the culture of the community changes drastically. Further, employment opportunities change, and Wal-Mart currently faces a tremendous amount of scrutiny for certain employment practices. While it may be said that some opponents undertake the Wal-Mart cause for monetary gain or for idealistic reasons, there are others who champion this cause based on the factors listed above. Further, as noted in the case, the media has published several articles which question Wal-Mart’s power and influence.

As Wal-Mart continues to increase its public image as a socially responsible company, it must address the concerns that it faces with regards to its impact on community and employee stakeholders. As the tagline for the first Spider-Man movie noted, “With great power comes great responsibility.” As one of the nation’s leaders in sales, Wal-Mart has the ability to not only impact our nations and perhaps even the global economy; it has the ability to shape our legal and social system. Accordingly, it must consider the impact of its employment practices and growth strategies on the community and the individuals who live there and the company’s responsibilities to these stakeholders.