Introduction
Wal-Mart stores are one of the largest public corporations in America, currently, Wal-Mart is one of the largest corporations in the world. Wal-Mart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton and was listed on the New York stock exchange in 1972. Currently, the Company is the biggest private employer in the whole world. Company values depict the beliefs and norms of the Company which in turn affects the culture of the Company. Wal-Mart Company has well-stated values which encourage commitment and sensitivity to both its customers and employees. (Frank, 2006)
Company values
Wal-Mart stores have always strived to be an organization based on values and ethics. The values that guide the company leadership and decisions are 3 main beliefs that were established way back in 1962 by the founder of the company Sam Walton, these core values are; (Wal-Mart, 2007):
- Respect for each individual.
- Serving the customer.
- Endeavour for excellence.
Respect for each individual
Respecting each other is a value that the company strives to keep and maintain Wal-Mart does not tolerate any type of discrimination in employment whether it is based on race, sex age, orientation, sexual, ethnicity, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin or any status that is legally protected. Wal-Mart stores strive to keep their value to be the workplace of choice by creating a working environment that fosters, respect, justice, and support. To create a company culture that is advocates justice and a climate that is encouraging and enhancing for all workers. Respect for each other ensures that both the management and nonmanagement staff work together as a family to achieve the company’s goals and objectives knowing that each one of them is equally important to the company. Respecting one another has also ensured that the company’s human relations are good and conflicts don’t arise as differences are easily solved in the company because each of the workers in the company values and respects each other. (Wal-Mart, 2007)
Serving the customer
Wal-Mart stores, provide outstanding customer service and also convenience to their customers. The company offers working families the things they require at affordable prices. Wal-Mart stores go an extra mile to ensure that it provides the needs and wants of the customer, the company works hard to ensure that the company stores are viewed as important partners within the communities the stores are located in. Walmart has been able to be welcomed in every part they establish their business because of this approach. It is also this approach of giving the best services to its customer that gives the company a lot of potentials to maintain its rapid growth of the company. (Wal-Mart, 2007)
The company is highly committed to always treat its customers with a lot of fairness and esteem, it also strives to advocate for their rights and being sensitive to their causes. Wal-Mart also appreciates the differences of the customer they serve and endeavors to give them the best services possible. The company commitment towards its customers takes several forms one of them is;
• It is shown in the company’s “store of the community” program that showcases local products that reflect the tastes and make-up of the local community, in many cases moving particularly towards the desires of the company’s diverse customers. (Wal-Mart, 2007).
Endeavor for excellence
The company states that it is committed to attaining and maintaining a high standard of quality in whatever the company undertakes. Most important the company consistently endeavors to ensure that the customers experience a concept of quality care by providing advanced services, considerate support together with whole stakeholders participation and their commitment. Such a value ensures a culture of perfection in whatever is done in the company. (Wal-Mart, 2007)
Wal-Mart’s commitment to quality has ensured achievement and innovations at the company which has lead to cost-effective and excellent service delivery of the company. In addition, the company has been able to embrace technological advancement and use new technologies in improving its service delivery to new heights. All this has ensured the company stays at the top. (Frank, 2006).
Conclusion
Company values are ideas and beliefs about what types of aspirations members should employ to attain the objectives of a company. Values in a company create the norms of the Company, expectations, or guidelines which, prescribe suitable types of conduct by employees in certain situations and organize the conduct of Company employees towards each other. Wal-Mart stores have three core values which stress respect, customer service, and excellence in whatever the company undertakes. These values have ensured the success of the company. Thus, values remain important in directing a company’s goals and objectives. Each company needs to value good values that can foster a good working environment in the company.
References
Frank, T.A. (2006): A Brief History of Wal-Mart: The Washington Monthly.
Wal-Mart (2007): Wal-Mart Stores values. 2007. Web.