Product details

By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies as described in our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.
You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.

Abstract

The case discusses allegations of anti-employee practices against the world''s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, in the early 21 century. It examines the various unethical and illegal human resource practices that employees claimed Wal-Mart was following, particularly discrimination against women and the prevention of unionisation. Detailed information is provided about instances of discrimination against female employees. The case also brings to light the apparently complacent attitude of Wal-Mart in eradicating the above problems, despite being aware of them for a long time. The case seeks to study the impact of the allegations of labour rights violations on the employees, the company''s image and its future performance. The case is structured as to enable students to: (1) understand the nature, history and the magnitude of the allegations of employee discrimination made against the world''s largest retailer; (2) examine why a large company seemed to have been rather complacent about taking corrective measures to stop discrimination; (3) appreciate the consequences of charges of employee discrimination for a leading multinational on its image (as a socially responsible corporate citizen) and its finances; (4) understand the impact of such allegations on the company as well as its employees and become sensitised to the issue of respecting the rights of employees; and (5) understand the importance of continuously monitoring the effective implementation of human resources policies that promote workplace equality. The case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be part of the business ethics and corporate governance curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
Large
Other setting(s):
1996-2003

About

Abstract

The case discusses allegations of anti-employee practices against the world''s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, in the early 21 century. It examines the various unethical and illegal human resource practices that employees claimed Wal-Mart was following, particularly discrimination against women and the prevention of unionisation. Detailed information is provided about instances of discrimination against female employees. The case also brings to light the apparently complacent attitude of Wal-Mart in eradicating the above problems, despite being aware of them for a long time. The case seeks to study the impact of the allegations of labour rights violations on the employees, the company''s image and its future performance. The case is structured as to enable students to: (1) understand the nature, history and the magnitude of the allegations of employee discrimination made against the world''s largest retailer; (2) examine why a large company seemed to have been rather complacent about taking corrective measures to stop discrimination; (3) appreciate the consequences of charges of employee discrimination for a leading multinational on its image (as a socially responsible corporate citizen) and its finances; (4) understand the impact of such allegations on the company as well as its employees and become sensitised to the issue of respecting the rights of employees; and (5) understand the importance of continuously monitoring the effective implementation of human resources policies that promote workplace equality. The case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be part of the business ethics and corporate governance curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
Large
Other setting(s):
1996-2003

Related