Write an individual paper, an analysis of six different stakeholders (Stockholders, Government, Customers, Employees, the Environment, the Communtiy, and Special Interest Groups) of a major corporation from the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations. The company chosen must be a publicly traded corporation (this excludes Wegmans). Obviously much of the research will come from the organization’s own sources such as annual reports and promotional material, but a truly good paper will cite third party sources that report the activities of a corporation, its political involvement, its environmental record, its hiring practices, and its socially (ir)responsible activities. Note that the information posted on a company’s web page or annual report is biased in favor of the company. Third party sources like newspaper articles are more objective accounts of the companies’ activities, so use them as much as possible.
Paper should address issues we have covered in class and integrate material in the chapters covered:
Stockholders (Chapter 13): return on investment relative to industry; shareholder relations; shareholder proposals; board issues/disagreements; executive compensation. Online sources such as Yahoo or Google finance provide some good information, as does the company’s website which includes in SEC filings (annual report, proxy statement, etc.)
Customers (Chapter 14): customer satisfaction; recalls/complaints; lawsuits; unethical practices. Use both the company’s website and third party sources for multiple perspectives.
Government Chapters 7 & 8): regulations (effect by government on company); lobbying (company’s effect on government); taxes. Opensecrets.org is an excellent website to use for information on a company’s lobbying activities.
Employees (Chapters 15 & 16): pay; benefits; training; diversity; affinity groups; level of unionization; overall satisfaction. Websites like glassdoor.com and indeed.com are good sources of employee reviews, as are lists like Fortune’s “Best Company’s to Work For.”
The Environment (Chapters 9 & 10): sustainable development; green practices; negative and positive impact on the environment. Use both the company’s website and third party sources for multiple perspectives.
The Community (Chapters 18 & 19): support of the community; philanthropy – relative to industry and income; reputation and brand management; crisis management. Much of this information will come from the company’s website, but third party sources may also give a fuller picture of the company’s relationship with the community.
Analysis of Stakeholders of Walmart Inc.
Introduction
Walmart Inc., the retail giant and a Fortune 100 company, has a significant impact on various stakeholders including stockholders, government, customers, employees, the environment, the community, and special interest groups. This analysis will delve into how Walmart interacts with each stakeholder group, highlighting key aspects such as return on investment, customer satisfaction, government regulations, employee benefits, environmental practices, community support, and philanthropy.
Stockholders
Walmart's stockholders are crucial stakeholders with a vested interest in the company's financial performance. By examining return on investment relative to the industry, shareholder relations, board issues, and executive compensation, it is evident that Walmart has maintained a strong financial position. According to Yahoo Finance, Walmart's stock has consistently provided solid returns for investors. However, shareholder proposals and concerns over executive compensation have occasionally sparked debates and disagreements within the company.
Customers
Customer satisfaction is paramount for Walmart's success. While the company strives to provide quality products and services to its customers, there have been instances of recalls, complaints, and lawsuits that have affected its reputation. Third-party sources often highlight customer experiences that may not be as prominently featured on Walmart's website. Balancing customer needs and addressing ethical concerns remains a continuous challenge for the company.
Government
Government regulations play a significant role in shaping Walmart's operations. The company's lobbying activities and tax practices are closely scrutinized by various stakeholders. Opensecrets.org provides valuable insights into Walmart's lobbying efforts and engagement with policymakers. Adhering to regulatory requirements while influencing policy decisions to align with its business interests is a delicate balancing act for Walmart.
Employees
Employee welfare is a vital aspect of Walmart's stakeholder management. Pay, benefits, training opportunities, diversity initiatives, and overall job satisfaction are critical for maintaining a motivated workforce. Platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed offer employee reviews that shed light on the company's performance in this area. Walmart's level of unionization and efforts to create an inclusive work environment are also closely monitored by stakeholders.
The Environment
As sustainability gains prominence, Walmart has made efforts to adopt green practices and promote sustainable development. The company's environmental impact, both positive and negative, is closely monitored by stakeholders. While Walmart highlights its eco-friendly initiatives on its website, third-party sources provide additional perspectives on the effectiveness of these practices and their impact on the environment.
The Community
Walmart's relationship with the community is crucial for its reputation and brand image. Through philanthropic initiatives and support for local communities, Walmart aims to create a positive impact. However, the effectiveness of these efforts in comparison to industry peers and income levels is often scrutinized by stakeholders. Crisis management and reputation building are integral components of Walmart's community engagement strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, analyzing Walmart's interactions with its diverse stakeholder groups reveals the complexities involved in managing multiple interests and expectations. By considering the perspectives of stockholders, customers, government entities, employees, the environment, and the community, a comprehensive understanding of Walmart's stakeholder relationships emerges. Balancing financial performance with social responsibility remains a key challenge for Walmart as it navigates the dynamic landscape of corporate governance and stakeholder management.