Product details

This case is about the high profile firing of Julie Roehm from the world's largest retail chain Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated and the ugly aftermath that saw both the parties engage in a legal (as well as public) battle. Roehm was a high-flyer in the automotive industry who had earned a name for herself due to her edgy advertising tactics. In early 2006, she was hired by Wal-Mart in the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Marketing Communication. This was viewed by some analysts as the retail giant's move to shake-up its marketing department. However, in late 2006, Roehm was fired from the company amidst rumours of her violating Wal-Mart's ethics and gratuity policy. Shortly afterwards, Roehm filed a civil suit against Wal-Mart for unlawfully terminating her employment, infringing compensation agreements, and for slandering her in the press. In reply Wal-Mart accused her of violating its employment policies. The public battle between Roehm and Wal-Mart became murkier by the day with Roehm accusing Wal-Mart's top brass, including the CEO, of violating its ethics code. Analysts felt that this episode brought to the fore various issues which could provide vital learning on organisation culture, organisational change, office politics, organisational communication, managerial ethics, employee misconduct, employee surveillance, etc