Read the following article: An ethics lesson from an unlikely quarter
Post your answers by Wednesday, February 11th at 12pm.
1. Will Wal-Mart’s positive ethical stance force other corporations to do the same in spite of the current economical situation?
2. Should universal public morality be a priority for corporations in any economic situation? Why or why not?
3. Knowing what Wal-Mart has been accused of, do you believe Wal-Mart’s claim of upstanding ethics, or is Wal-Mart trying to smooth over its damaged reputation in light of the rising need for cheap Wal-Mart products?
2. Should universal public morality be a priority for corporations in any economic situation? Why or why not?
3. Knowing what Wal-Mart has been accused of, do you believe Wal-Mart’s claim of upstanding ethics, or is Wal-Mart trying to smooth over its damaged reputation in light of the rising need for cheap Wal-Mart products?
1. I do think that Wal-marts statement about ethics will force other corporations to keep things in check. I wouldn't say that some ethical regulations wont slip in light of the economic situation, however;Wal-marts statement will automatically draw more public attention to these ethical matters as they apply to other corporations. This will cause public to keep a closer eye on business operations.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that economy or any other reason is an excuse for the slip of ethical practices in businesses. Advertisers and CEOs alike, must have responsibility to public and community. They must also claim accountability in any situation. If there were exceptions to these guidelines, even the economy, than these vital rules would be taken loosely and result in continues unethical practices.
ReplyDelete3. I definitely think Wal-mart's interests are to increase their sales as much as possible with the new economic opportunity. People don't just want to shop at Wal-mart, now more people need to. Wal-mart is fully aware of this. A positive public statement that points fingers at other possible corporations who may let ethics slip is simply good P.R. for Wal-mart.
ReplyDelete1. I think large corporations will continue to run as they do now despite what wal-mart says. Their current business models are basically all the same- make money- as much as possible- when possible. wal-mart is no different. times change and these business will have to adapt, and that will include cutting corners where allowed- ethical or not. first priority is to the continued success/ existence of the company
ReplyDelete2. I think companies should exercise public morality and be conscious of what they do and how they help shape any economy. Despite the financial condition of the masses i'd like to believe the large companies that depend on consumers to thrive will continue to be moral to a fault but lets face it- common decency in not high on their agenas- at this or any other time.
ReplyDelete3.I don't know one person who will stop shopping at wal-mart because their reputation was tarnished.... Times are hard nd they're getting harder, wal-mart offers the lowest prices and matches any advertised prices that beats theirs. People want to save pennies and wal-mart is the way to go, shops are also starting to close all around us but wal-mart is going strong. wal-mart knows this. this just gives them more publicity for the nay sayers who actually pay attention to the company's reputation.
ReplyDelete1.I believe that other corporations will follow in Wal-Mart’s example, though it will be difficult, it is a smart and a necessary move with the economy being the way it is. Wal-Mart is the competition, and if other companies cannot keep up with quality, honesty, and movement of its competitor – Wal-Mart- then they are doomed to fail.
ReplyDelete2.Morality should always have been a priority in corporations, however, hard times means hard decisions. Any company can try and keep up with the positive name and standards of itself, but when it comes to deadlines of shipment of goods and people being loyal it is all up in the air in what a company will do to stay afloat without tampering too much with their “good name.” Overall, a standard in how a corporation is run should always be in effect, regardless of hard times. People cheat to get ahead, but quality is always something to be remembered. Buy the best now, it’ll pay off later. Buy something poor quality now, pay for it later by paying for it later.
3.I will have to agree with the second portion of that question. I see Wal-Mart trying to put itself in good lighting to make it seem as still the better alternative with its products, service, and low prices. However, the process of making itself having a strong stance in ethics started in 2005 while the economy wasn’t “all that bad” so it had an early start before recent happens of many many stores closing. I see Wal-Mart as just another company trying to prove itself as a better store because of its ethical reasoning.