...Cross Cultural Perspectives: Wal-Mart ETH/ 316 June 11, 2012 Laura Brodkey-Scott Cross Cultural Perspectives: Wal-Mart Introduction Wal-Mart is defined as the giant of retail and it is one of the largest companies in the world. It has grown to not only be a staple in America but internationally as well, touching base in countries such as Japan and China. It is a popular supercenter that is located worldwide. Wal-Mart is the largest retailer and the largest company in the history of the world due to globalization and this due to the way they conduct business operations. Wal-Mart management has implement ways to overcome the challenges that are presented the ethical and social responsibilities in regards to globalization. This paper will present a breakdown analysis on how Wal-Mart has conquered the challenges of globalization and how they manager to remain the largest profit-making organization both in the USA and globally (Rosenfeld, 2007). In addition the paper will breakdown how the organization deals with ethical perspectives within this global icon known as Wal-Mart. Globalization Wal-Mart management embraced globalization and used it to develop a monopoly of international markets across the world. Wal-Mart has supercenters in the following countries: Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Japan, China and India. According to Glynn Davis (2008), Wal-Mart’s international market gives us a vast idea of the variety...
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...Cross-Cultural Perspectives Wayne Hawley ETH/316 August 18th, 2014 Tana Romero Cross-Cultural Perspectives Wal-Mart is a global organization with a multinational presence. Wal-Mart started in the United States of America and after obtaining huge success in the U.S., they went global with their brand of marketing and selling products at a lower price than their competitors, in order to help lower income families. Wal-Mart is considered the world’s largest retailer, but this title has not come without issues. Wal-Mart Cultural issues Wal-Mart is a massive retail store chain in the United States, this goes without saying. I would find it hard to believe you could find a single person in the United States that has not heard of or been to a Wal-Mart. Because of their great success in the U.S., it only makes sense they would travel abroad and attempt to bring their services to other countries. Wal-Mart devised and produced a 36 page, global policy for ethics, which states the following: According to "Walmart Statement of Ethics" (n.d.), “Each business organization Walmart operates is expected to have a complete set of policies providing guidance to associates for whatever country they are working in”. “Walmart also publishes several “global policies,” which are designed to give associates a set of rules that are the same for all locations.” “This Statement of Ethics is an example of a global policy.” “If any part of this Statement of Ethics goes against local...
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...Cross Cultural Perspectives ETH /316 l Abstract In this essay I will identify a corporation located in the United States of America that has faced ethical issues operating internationally. I will also include in some detail, the results of my research. I will research a company that all Americans know and love- and over the last few years… this company has become one of the most popular retailers in the world- Wal-Mart. Yes, I know the retailer has been; reported on, complained about, sued, protested, and argued in city and town halls across America for decades. But one cannot question the success of the retail giant, ever since opening its first international store in Mexico City, Mexico some twenty-four years ago, Wal-Mart has taken over the global market (V. Govindarajan, 2002). I will start with identifying the ethical perspectives of Wal-Mart, then I will then show the results of the comparison between the different lands’ culture. I will then describe a viable solution for any issues that may occur culturally with the transition of Wal-Mart going global. Today's economy is far more global as it used to be… In the 1960’s for example, the United States of America did not have any sibilance of a relationship of any kind with nations like The People’s Republic of China, and The Soviet Union. In fact, most of the governments that are now superpowers were either developing counties, or involved in an arms race to be the most dangerous nation in the...
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...Case Study: Wal-Mart’s failure in Germany Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the largest retailer in the world, the world’s second-largest company and the nation’s largest nongovernmental employer. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates retail stores in various retailing formats in all 50 states in the United States. The Company’s mass merchandising operations serve its customers primarily through the operation of three segments. The Wal-Mart Stores segment includes its discount stores, Supercenters, and Neighborhood Markets in the United States. The Sam’s club segment includes the warehouse membership clubs in the United States. The Company’s subsidiary, McLane Company, Inc. provides products and distribution services to retail industry and institutional foodservice customers. Wal-Mart serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,416 retail units under 53 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Wal-Mart employs more than 2.1 million associates worldwide. Nearly 75% of its stores are in the United States (“Wal-Mart International Operations”, 2004), but Wal-Mart is expanding internationally. The Group is engaged in the operations of retail stores located in all 50 states of the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom, Central America, Chile, Mexico,India and China Wal-Mart’s entry and operation in Germany Wal-Mart’s initial entry into German market was through the acquisitions...
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...Cross Cultural Perspectives M Viens ETH/316 November 24, 2014 Aubrey Weekes Cross Cultural Perspectives The Walmart Corporation is a large, major, and successful retailer in the United States. Walmart’s attempt at branching out in countries such as China, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany has failed. Globally Walmart is not performing well; they have had difficulties in these countries. Their global revenues, “grew by a mere 1% in 2013, and its revenue per square feet declined by 4.2%” (Team, 2014). The China market does not add much to Walmart’s profits, but it is important to Walmart in regards to enduring perspective. Mexico is a principle global site, but there are many problems there also. In Germany, Walmart failed basically because they thought they could implement American standards in the stores. Walmart is handling these issues, and solving them would be their main concern (Team, 2014). Walmart Culture Issues Hong Kong, Indonesia, and South Korea are failures for Walmart, mainly due to not adhering to the cultures of these countries, and abiding a code of ethics. A couple of obstacles are food and products were placed on shelves, not in line with the country, and stores were constructed a long distance from the cities making it difficult for people to reach them. Foreign people many of them walk to stores or take public transportation. American people will travel to buy food stocking up for a month or more. Buying in bulk is a major issue...
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...SOCIAL STRUCTURE Individuals and Groups Social Stratification Country Focus: Breaking India’s Caste System RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL SYSTEMS Christianity Islam Country Focus: Islamic Capitalism in Turkey Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism Management Focus: DMG-Shanghai LANGUAGE Spoken Language Unspoken Language EDUCATION CULTURE AND THE WORKPLACE CULTURAL CHANGE FOCUS ON MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS Cross-Cultural Literacy Culture and Competitive Advantage SUMMARY CRITICAL THINKING AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS CLOSING CASE: Wal-Mart’s Foreign Expansion Learning Objectives 1. Know what is meant by the culture of a society. 2. Identify the forces that lead to differences in social culture. 4. Identify the business and economic implications of differences in culture. 5. Understand how differences in social culture influence values in the workplace. 6. Develop an appreciation for the economic and business implications of cultural change. Chapter Summary This chapter begins by introducing the concept of culture. The determinants of culture are identified, which include religion, political philosophy, economic philosophy, education, language, and social structure. The first half of the chapter focuses on the influence of social structure, religion, language, and education on culture. The section on religion explains the economic implications of Christianity...
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...INB400 – International Organization and Management Term paper Wal-Mart’s culturally and institutionally flawed entry into the German retail market Joakim Holsten Leren s105710 Julianne Øien s106222 Mirko Wichmann s145433 Lara-Caterina Buggert s145400 Eloise De Bont s145611 22 pages Table of Contents Introduction 2 Case presentation 2 The Wal-Mart concept 3 Institutional challenges [to be deleted] 4 Cultural challenges [to be deleted] 4 German market 5 Theoretical Background 5 The cultural perspective 6 The institutional perspective 9 Case Analysis 12 The cultural perspective 12 The institutional perspective 15 Recommendations 19 Cultural 19 Institutional 20 Limitations 22 Cultural 22 Institutional 22 Conclusion 23 References: 25 Introduction The purpose of this paper is to address and analyze the challenges Wal-Mart faced during its entrance into the German market in the late 1990s. We have analyzed this with the following problem in mind: “Which aspects, both cultural and institutional, led to Wal-Mart’s failure in Germany and what should they have done instead?” We will approach this problem by outlining theoretical frameworks for analyzing cultural and institutional aspects of a company. We will then employ said theories in order to analyze the case of Wal-Mart’s failure in Germany. Finally, we will come to a conclusion concerning what they should have done as they entered into the German market...
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...chapter 10 the international context There never were, since the creation of the world, two cases exactly parallel. Philip Dormer Stanhope (1694–1773); English Secretary of State INTRODUCTION firms move out of their domestic market on to the Aswith differinglanguage, arenas.system, technologicalinternational stage, they aretofaced business The nations they expand to can vary with regard consumer behavior, legal infrastructure, business culture, educational system, labor relations, political ideology, distribution structures and fiscal regime, to name just a few. At face value, the plurality of the international context can seem daunting. Yet, the question is how important the international differences are for firms operating across borders. Do firms need to adapt to the international diversity encountered, or can they find ways of overcoming the constraints imposed by distinct national systems, structures and behaviors? This matter of understanding and dealing with international variety is one of the key topics for managers operating across borders. A second question with regard to the international context is that of international linkages – to what extent do events in one country have an impact on what happens in other countries? When a number of nations are tightly linked to one another in a particular area, this is referred to as a case of international integration. If, on the other hand, there are very weak links between developments in one country and developments...
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...reasons why Wal-Mart‟s business model failed in South Korea, such as Consumer preferences and culture, Location, and Marketing arrogance all contributed to what one economist referred to as a failure. But under these basic economic decisions were a host of basic cross-cultural mistakes that fuelled the company’s poor strategic planning. 1. Consumer preferences and culture Most individuals believe that Wal-Mart failed to understand South Korean’s consumer preferences. Wal-Mart had relied on its proven business model and its strategy in offering low prices for products. However, low prices alone were insufficient to make a successful business case in South Korea. South Koreans have different consumer preferences than Americans do; they are not necessarily interested in the same products. For instance, South Koreans like fresh vegetables and fresh food rather than dry products and the type of clothing that Wal-Mart sells. The South Korean culture is also very tied into its markets; they are one of the largest countries that are deeply involved in local markets. 2. Location Most Wal-Mart outlets in South Korea were placed outside instead of in the cities. South Koreans expect easy accessibility to shopping facilities within the larger cities without the need to travel. Also, South Korean consumers shop more frequently than most Americans do. They may not purchase many things at once, but they will usually get at least one item. Some individuals felt that Wal-Mart should have...
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...Managing Oral Communication (Project Report) ‘A critique of issues and challenges for cross cultural communication of a recent Joint Venture’ Submitted To: Prof. V. Chandra Submitted By: Anuj Verma (14PGDM073) Harsimran Singh Sandhu (14PGDM082) Mohak Jain (14PGDM092) Pallak Joshi (14PGDM102) Shikha (14PGDM110) Tanya Kapoor (14PGDM121) Vrashank Sharma (14PGDM131) Dated: 21 August 2014 Table of Contents Serial No. Contents Page No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Introduction Specifics of the Deal Critique Conclusion Exhibits References 1 1 3 7 8 10 ‘ Introduction Joint Ventures represent a combination of subsets of assets, contributed by two or more business entities for a specific business purpose and a limited duration. This can enable a firm to achieve market penetration into new areas over time, enter and develop new product markets, expand into new geographic areas and participate in new technology driven value activities (Sullivan, 2014). For the purpose of this project we decided to analyze the recently concluded Joint Venture between Walmart Inc. and Bharti Enterprises. Bharti Enterprises is an Indian Business conglomerate, which owns various businesses spanning across telecommunications, retail, financial services and manufacturing. It operates in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., branded as Walmart, is an American multinational retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. It...
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...technology is Wal-Mart. Wal-mart Wal-Mart is operating in as many as 10 countries outside the United States. Asian market has provided Wal-Mart with diverse opportunities. The company has already started its operations in Japan, Korea, and China. In the European Market, Wal-Mart has started its operations in British and German market. In addition, the company is also operating in Mexico, United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico (Lohr, pp. 10). Wal-Mart has operated successfully in the United States market. The aggressive supply chain strategy of Wal-Mart i.e. ‘pile it high and sell it cheap’ has not worked successfully in all foreign markets (Cassidy, pp. 6). The differences in market conditions and consumer preferences had a significant impact on the expansion plans of Wal-Mart. The structure of European markets differs from that of North American markets. The productivity of European markets is less than that of North American markets (Freeman et al, pp 486). The differences in market-structure have influenced the success of Wal-Mart operations in different countries. German market has been characterized with an oligopolistic structure. The German market has been concentrated by key market players. In addition, the market structure of Germany does not offer profitable opportunities to retail stores. Wal-Mart failed in the German market because of its blunders including entry-by-acquisition strategy and bad publicity (Gosman and Mark, pp. 179). Wal-Mart also confronted...
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....................................................................... 8 2.1 Concept of Supply Chain Management.......................................................... 8 2.2 Elements of the Supply Chain......................................................................... 9 2.3 Three levels of Supply Chain Management.....................................................11 2.4 Supply Chain Management Technology…….................................................. 13 III. The supply chain solution for Multinational giant Retailers in China................. 13 3.1 Wal-Mart’s development in China............................................................. 14 3.1.1 When Wal-Mart first came into China............................................. 14 3.1.2 Challenges Wal-Mart met in China.................................................. 17 3.1.3 Wal-Mart’s supply chain solution in China....................................... 17 3.3 Carrefour’s development in China ............................................................. 17 3.2.1 Introduction of Carrefour ............................................................ 19 3.2.2 Learn from Taiwan’s experience entering into China....................... 19 3.2.3 Supply chain...
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...Running head: MODERN BUSINESS Modern Business, Wal- Mart Michael Maas, Kelli Dolego, Jason Krupa, Nick Carter III University of Phoenix Modern Business As many people in the modern business world are well aware there exist four major functions involved in business management. These functions are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. There are a host of factors affecting how these functions are carried out especially in a globalized and technology reliant world. Planning itself is difficult enough in a small business setting but when taking into account a business whose assets span a global market the issues involved become compounded. Fortunately advances in technology like video conferencing, satellite phones, and the internet make communication and planning within a large infrastructure not only possible but also fairly common place. Organization across international boundaries can be challenging as well however, the internet quickly allows for emails, and video conferences to be held between executives and lower level management insuring a company’s assets stay focused and well coordinated. Globalization raises particular challenges for leadership as different cultures tend to view lead roles differently and even expect different approaches from their leaders. Some of the most noteworthy leadership differences occur between eastern and western cultures (Dickson, Den Hartog, & Mitchelson, 2003). Controlling a globalized organization...
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...business sense for both for profit and not for profit companies. Creating a diverse workforce provides tremendous opportunities for organizations and individuals to tap into the ideas, creativity and potential contributions inherent in a diverse work force. In this paper we will be analyzing WALMART and its diversity workforce. Most of the information was conduct from the manager who is working at WALMART located Clearlake. Organizational Background This paper will be evaluating the diversity initiatives of Wal-Mart. Sam, who first brought the idea of this corporation, traveled the country studying everything he could about discount retailing. He became convinced American consumers wanted a new type of store. Trusting his vision, Sam and his wife Helen put up 95 percent of the money for the first Wal-Mart store in Rogers, Ark. Discounters such as Kmart quickly expanded in the 1960s, while Sam only had enough money to build 15 Wal-Mart stores. In 1972, Wal-Mart stock was offered for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange. With this infusion of capital, company grew to 276 stores in 11 states by the end of the decade. The first Supercenter opened in 1988, featuring a complete grocery, and 36 departments of general merchandise. Sam said, "… if you think about it from the point of view of the customer, you want everything: a wide assortment of quality merchandise; the lowest possible prices; guaranteed satisfaction; friendly, knowledgeable service; convenient hours;...
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...Cross Cultural Perspectives The Walmart Corporation is a major American retailer. Walmart is the largest and most successful general merchandise retailer from the US. However, when Walmart attempted to branch out into new countries they failed time and time again. Is this report I am going to cover a few of the reasons they failed in several countries. Identifying the actual issues at fault. Then describe the issues in detail and how they affect Walmart as a result of being a global company. Walmart Cultural Issues One major issue Walmart ran into is bulk sales. In America people travel longer distances with their own cars and buy enough food to last them a month or more in one trip. It is typical for foreign countries to buy food daily. Foreign cultures are more accustomed to buying fresh food from butchers or local markets. Additionally Walmart is notorious for selling items in bulk. This again is an American cultural habit. In most foreign cultures people take public transportation or walk to the stores. This they do not have the ability to buy multiple bottles of shampoo at once, and prefer to buy it one bottle at a time. On a different note, Walmart failed again on the design of their stores. I will use South Korea as example here, mainly because I lived there for four years and have experienced all of these. In South Korea everything is about presentation. Their largest vendors, E-Mart, Home-Mart, etc. are all finished with an artistic design. They...
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