Organizational Culture at Wal-Mart

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the successful organizational structure that Sam Walton created in Wal-Mart. The paper begins by differentiating between management and leadership and the role of each when it comes to creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture. The writer then presents recommendations to improve the organization and structure at Wal-Mart.

From the Paper:

"My second recommendation is along the same lines as my last one and goes back to my original statement: love it or hate it. Wal-Mart needs to examine the 'hate it' segment of the consumer base to develop a strategy to reverse this negative opinion. This strategy will most likely need to be addressed throughout all functions of management. Low prices are not enough anymore; there is more of an awareness of corporate responsibility than in the past. Wal-Mart tries to give back to the community through low prices but they may need to consider giving back to some of their employees through additional benefits. To do this would require a shift in the organizing function and extensive use of the planning function of management. Also, the controlling function will need to be used to make sure costs do not get out of hand and that the organization is getting a return on its increased investment in its employees."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carey, John. (2007, January 29). Wal-Mart Stores: Big Strides to Become The Jolly Green Giant. Business Week, 4019.
• Cultural ambassadors likeliest leaders. (1999, October). Discount Store News Wal-Mart Commemorative Issue: 149. Retrieved January 13, 2008, from RDS Suite Database.
• Harnessing the Giant: Brian Peterson. (2002, December 28). World Trade, 15(12). Retrieved January 13, 2008, from RDS Suite Database.
• Leading from the trenches; with a comprehensive knowledge of the inner working, Scott keeps a steady hand on Wal-Mart's help. (2003, February 27). Retail Merchandiser, 43(2). Retrieved January 13, 2008, from RDS Suite Database.
• Thau, Barbara. (2000, November 27). Sam Walton Wal-Mart. HFN Visionaries Supplement, 22. Retrieved January 13, 2008, from RDS Suite Database.

More papers on Organizational Culture at Wal-Mart:

• Case Study # 112503 : "Organizational Behavior at Wal-Mart"
• Term Paper # 148924 : "Organizational Behavior - Walmart"
• Analytical Essay # 105607 : "Wal-Mart's Application of Organizational Behavior"

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