Analysis of The Code of Ethics in Walmart

Introduction

As we all know, Walmart is a major series of stores distributed in multiple countries around the world. In this research, I am going to study whether Walmart follows its own code of ethics or not. I will provide some examples and discussions, then conclude the status of Walmart. When I decided to write this research, I expected to face some difficulties in collecting information about how Walmart treats and deals with its employees. However, it was surprisingly easy to find information regarding the rights and duties of employees, as it was clearly laid out.

Analysis of The Code of Ethics in Walmart

The first case that piqued my interest was the issue of seating for cashiers. I always wondered why the cashiers at Walmart are not provided with seats and are not allowed to sit during their working hours. In 2009, Walmart (WMT) found itself defending against a massive employee class-action suit in California when a judge certified that Walmart broke the law by refusing to provide suitable seating for its cashiers who requested it (Smith, 2009). Walmart's response to this class action certification was not that it did, in fact, provide appropriate seating within the parameters of existing laws. Instead, the response from Walmart's legal team was that the class shouldn't have been certified at all, and each cashier should have to file and fight an individual lawsuit.

Logically, it seems that Walmart would prefer to just fight one lawsuit instead of fielding 100,000 individual claims. Walmart probably counted on legal actions to work like coupons; only a small percentage of people would follow through on the offer. My opinion is that Walmart used legal strategies to its advantage by requesting that each employee file a complaint separately instead of submitting 100,000 individual claims. However, I consider this request to be unethical because the company is aware that only a small number of employees will file complaints. After all, this is a waste of time and incurs additional costs in attorney's fees and court hearings.

Walmart believes that if its cashiers are allowed to sit down at any time during their work shift, they will not stand up again. To me, it does not make any sense to prevent them from sitting. I feel it's reasonable for cashiers to have seats so they can sit while working. This practice not only respects the physical well-being of employees but could also enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

Personal Experience and Company Policy

One day, I had a situation with my supervisor while working at Walmart. After finishing my work that day, as I was going to my car, I saw my supervisor at the entrance. He asked me to gather carts before I left. The same situation was repeated without me complaining because I was afraid that he would punish me. Then I told one of my friends at work about what happened. My friend informed me that the manager cannot give me orders outside of work hours, and company law considers that exploitation, which is against company policy. I reviewed Walmart's code of ethics and found the following under the Wage & Hour subtitle:

"It is a violation of law and Walmart policy for you to work without compensation or for a supervisor (hourly or salaried) to request you work without compensation. You should never perform any work for Walmart without compensation." (Global Statement of Ethics of Walmart, 2023)

Conclusion

Like many companies, Walmart has a vision for what it strives to achieve on a personal and community level. The company's vision statement is as follows: "The vision of The Global Ethics Office is to promote ownership of Walmart's ethical culture to all stakeholders globally." The code provides information on how to raise a concern within the organization. Showing respect to individuals, not only to customers but also within the organization, brings positive vibes among the people there. I would surely join the organization as I prefer to be positive and would love to have such people working around me. It would be like a family and help us overcome any issues quickly. We should always remember that moral support will make us feel better during crises.

References

Global Statement of Ethics of Walmart. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.walmartethics.com/

Smith, J. (2009). Walmart's Seating Policy Under Legal Scrutiny. California Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.californiabusinessjournal.com/walmart-seating-policy/