The Problems With Wal-Mart's Low Wages

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Times have changed drastically for businesses since the Internet and social media have become part of our everyday lives. It’s now easier than ever for the individual to gather data and follow organizations to ensure they are performing legally, morally, and ethically. Stakeholders believe that organizations have a social obligation to operate their business in an ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible way. The term for this idea is Corporate Citizenship. Corporate Citizenship is “the extent to which businesses are socially responsible for meeting legal, ethical and economic responsibilities placed on them by shareholders. The aim is for businesses to create higher standards of living and quality of life in the communities in which they operate, while still preserving profitability for stakeholders” (Investopedia.com, 2013). Stakeholders are expecting organizations to conduct business in a way that meets legal, ethical, economic, and philanthropic expectations that go beyond commercial relationships. Many organizations are including corporate responsibilities in their corporate mission statements and goals. They want stakeholders to see that they practice ethical behavior and are committed to their local communities in order to maintain a positive corporate image. According to CNN Money “Wal-Mart Stores Inc., had $469.2 billion in revenue last year and has reclaimed the top ranking in the Fortune 500 ranking of the largest U.S. companies by revenue”( Hathaway, 2013). Wal-Mart has over 10,800 stores and is a company that can have a tremendous impact upon the environment and their current employees and future employees. Largely due to its size and resultant influence, Wal-Mart is receiving constant pressure t... ... middle of paper ... ...s Walmart for Unsafe Working Conditions. The Guardian. Downloaded from the World Wide Web November 9, 2013 from http://www.alternet.org/osha-fines-walmart-unsafe-working-conditions Freeman, R. and Ticknor, A. (2003). Wal-Mart Is Not a Business, It's an Economic Disease. Executive Intelligence Review. Downloaded from the World Wide Web November 9, 2013 fromhttp://www.larouchepub.com/other/2003/3044wal-mart.html Walmart.com. (2013). 2013 Global Responsibility Report – Stockholder Engagement. Downloaded from the World Wide Web November 10, 2013 from http://corporate.walmart.com/microsites/global-responsibility-report-2013/stakeholderEngagement.aspx University of San Francisco. (2013). Walmart Reports on Global Responsibility Efforts. Downloaded from the World Wide Web November 10, 2013 from http://www.usanfranonline.com/walmart-reports-on-global-responsibility-efforts/

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