Walmart CSR and ethical issues One thing that is very popular these days is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Wa

Walmart CSR and ethical issues

One thing that is very popular these days is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Wal-Mart is one of those companies. The company has dedicated webpages towards CSR and ethical practices which it has spent considerable efforts to show how they do their commitment to CSR and ethical practices. Wal-Mart represents its initiatives particularly through environmental sustainability, support to community, diversity and inclusion and ethical sourcing through different pages on their CSR page as mentioned. The company has set out bold ambitions to be zero emissions by 2040. Others include to dramatically reduce plastic use and to go green by using renewable energy. Another part that Wal-Mart takes part in ‘Community Programs’ such as hunger relief, disasters relief, etc. and sponsors of education. It also mentions its work to make the workplace inclusive to make sure products are supplied responsibly. That is in accordance with fair labor standards.

On the company’s Ethics page further evidence of Wal-Mart’s commitment to operate at the highest available ethical standards. To further its ethics efforts, the company has a Global Ethics Office to enforce Covenants with laws and internal policies; Code of Conduct applicable to all associates and suppliers; and training for all associates on what ethical expectations. Furthermore, the employees of Walmart can also report, through a confidential system if there is anything that has been fraudulent or unethical with them.

But Wal-Mart’s recent crumpling from the ethical controversies that it has suffered to date promise to disturb these new attempts to enhance its CSR. For one instance of such a company, one can take labor practices. The Wal-Mart Cuts Health Benefits for Some Part-Time Workers (2015) by The New York Times explains information on the company’s decision to disband health insurance for employees working less than 30 hours per week. Critics were quick to question whether Wal-Mart is keener to put the welfare of its workers first, as the decision turned out to disrespect more or less 3 out of 30 000 workers. Critics scoffed that this shows what it means for a company to be 'ethical', pointing out it goes against the company.

It makes me go back and forth when I consider, whether Wal-Mart’s CSR and ethical efforts influence my interest in the company or not. Initiatives undertaken by the company in areas of sustainability support are great with values that most consumers care about. The labor practices of the company may keep me from supporting the company due to ethical issues. If I put a higher priority on fair treatment of workers and employee welfare, it could be that, regardless of the positive CSR initiatives Wal-Mart is taking, I do not shop there.

As to whether Wal-Mart’s CSR and ethics strategies are indeed good for the community, or are merely an effort to bolster its public image, I see it is a tricky question. Although some of the company's works such as environmental sustainability and disaster relief can be of real benefit to communities, these also appear to be an attempt to harness public relations, as some of its controversies are ethical. For example, information about cutting health benefits for part time workers undermines the company’s claims. This indicates the duality of CSR efforts; some are truly genuine while others are employed for company’s reputation building through no large change.

Consequently, Wal-Mart’s strategies in the area of CSR and ethics have been presented as mixed. While the company has achieved a lot in the area of sustainability and community engagement, the company’s ethical issues specifically in the area of labor practices have. Ultimately, consumers must decide whether to support the firm when taking into consideration the benefits a firm brings from its CSR initiatives.