Category: Walmart

I dont want to work at Walmart (DeParle). Insightful as it is, this phrase can be perceived as a motto of all three girls told about in the article under consideration. Even though only one of them mentioned Walmart, it is the abstract idea, which is related to all three girls from the lowest class, who wanted to achieve success in their lives and break into the middle class. Angelica, Bianca, and Melissa used to study at one school. Their social background, i.e. belonging to the poorest group of society, and the dream of a better tomorrow together with remarkable academic performance are the specificities that differentiated these girls among other students and served as a ground for their friendship. Although they have chosen different paths for obtaining post-secondary education, their experiences demonstrate that education is not an equalizer. Instead, it is a tool for keeping the gap between the richest and the poorest wide and even making it wider over time.

To begin with, Angelica chose Emory University. Bianca became a part of a local community college. Melissa enrolled in Texas University. Nevertheless, all of them failed to reach their initial goal, thus making it possible to conclude that higher education is not for low-income strivers because they are forced to think of finding ways to make living instead of meeting universities standards. Even though the author of the article states that the poor-rich gap in the access to post-secondary education has increased from 31 percent in the 1980s to 45 percent nowadays, the lack of financial support is not the only cause of the existing inequality (DeParle). Instead, it is related to overestimating ones potential, failing to find the correct balance between personal life (e.g. family and relationships) and education, and the lack of inner drive to achieve the set goal. In this way, Angelicas story is the most poignant one. The rationale for pointing to it is the fact that even though she was provided with financial support, she failed to fill all the documents accurately, thus creating additional financial troubles. More than that, facing problems, she decided to give up instead of continuing to fight for success.

Angelicas story supports the belief that public opinion and political culture play a critical role in achieving equality. For instance, most Americans tend to believe that economic background of an individual determines equality of opportunity, i.e. having equal opportunities for living up ones potential regardless of their socioeconomic background (Ginsberg et al. 28). However, the girl was granted a chance to obtain higher education. Still, she failed to take it. Moreover, most Americans see education as a universal equalizer (Ginsberg et al. 224). It is supplemented by the belief that social mobility, i.e. moving from the lowest class to higher ones, is possible in case of making a significant effort (Ginsberg et al. 29). Still, according to the findings of the study, the poor-rich gap in the access to education is constantly widening, which means that these beliefs are not supported by statistical facts (DeParle).

Nevertheless, this article does prove that agents of socialization (e.g. families and social groups) affect educational aspirations (Ginsberg et al. 217, 219). It can be supported by the fact that even though all three girls had chances to obtain post-secondary education, all of them wasted these opportunities, explaining their choices by the fear of alienation from their social groups if they become better that their family members and friends (DeParle).

To sum up, the article helped to realize that income is a significant determinant of public opinion, as it affects the way people perceive their chances of success. In this way, beliefs are controversial because overestimating the role of income cannot coexist with the belief in the equality of opportunity and seeing education as a universal equalizer.

Works Cited

DeParle, Jason. For Poor, Leap to College Often Ends in a Hard Fall. The New York Times, 2012. Web.

Ginsberg, Benjamin, et al. We the People: An Introduction to American Politics. 10th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2015.

Introduction

Employee satisfaction, retention and productivity can be assessed quantitatively by the use of a Growth Metric which is used in the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework. Such a metric targets the learning and growth perspective of BSC that is and remains the foundation for all strategy (Chen & Miles, 2000, p. 93). This essay shall seek to reveal Wall-mart stores Inc.s mission and strategy with regard to its learning and growth perspective and identify measures and objectives that are relevant in this regard.

Learning and Growth Objectives

As in the case of Wall-mart stores Inc, with its over 4 150 retail outlets globally, one of its core objectives in regard to learning and growth, in line with its vision to be a world-wide corporation offering the best services and products for their customers at the least cost with the most worth for their money, is to focus on the intense global competition which requires that the organization continually improves its capabilities for delivering value to customers and shareholders.

There are three cardinal sources from which an organizations Learning and Growth emanates and these are: people who core the manipulation, systems in place and organizational procedures. As noted in module 1, there are usually observably big gaps between the capacities of people already in existence in the company, the systems, and also standard procedures as regards the requirements for achieving authentic breakthrough performance are revealed by the scorecards. There is a need for businesses to heavily invest in stronger human resource initiatives, revamped Information Technology approaches and well outlines organizational routines and procedures in order to close this gap (Chen & Miles, 2000, p. 32).

Again, knowledge is a constantly growing perishable commodity and therefore it will most definitely become centre-stage in deciding the main core competencies that Wall-mart stores Inc. should invest in for its future expansion and development (Cushing, Clark, Carter & Kennedy, 2005). It requires that the organization identifies its strategic direction for the future and builds rapport with its diverse employee audience to maintain and increase retention while encouraging growth of its ventures in the already established markets.

As illustrated above, the three objectives are related to the mission whose aim is geared towards improving the quality of products through advanced technology and use of manufacturing industries with the intention of maintaining appropriate customer service. This can be clearly seen since maintaining and developing the know-how directly contributes to the quality of the products offered since the company can aptly keep up with the emerging trends. Furthermore, a long term infrastructure will ensure that its manufacturing industries through the advanced technology, will maintain the appropriate customer service.

Measures, targets and actions

For an organization to succeed, it is vital that a collection of measures be put in place, in line with its objectives, to ensure sustainability and continuity. To maintain the required know how, re-skilling their current staff and training new employees has been one of the measures taken to arrive at the appropriate competence strategy. This strategy is the one that specifies the areas where the company can invest in so as to have a well developed individual competence as well as those that it will create from collaboration with like-minded external parties.

In addition to ensuring their staff is in line with the current trends, Wall-mart stores Inc have ensured that they have enhanced their information technology and systems to allow for an infrastructure that is long-lasting and sustainable for its competency base. This can only be done by investing and budgeting for up to date improved and more efficient systems.

Conclusion

Unlike in the case of Wall-mart stores Inc, there are those companies that ignore learning and growth measures in preference to financial and operational measures in their strategic approach. This is inappropriate and injurious to any business especially in the corporate world since consistent failure to enhance systems, employee, and organizational capabilities more often than not usually has consequences that show up even in short-term basis as well as long-term analysis (Cushing, Clark, Carter & Kennedy, 2005).

In order to eschew this myopic perception, it is imperative that there be a concerted effort for every organization to ensure that there is a planned implementation and operation for its Learning and Growth initiatives. This is important since it will ensure that there is a balanced diversity scorecard that derives the full benefits of a full, appropriate scorecard system (Finch, 2006).

The Objectives that are outlined in the Learning and Growth Perspective are good grounds of providing a general direction of the necessary infrastructure that is used to ensure that all the core objectives in the other three perspectives are adequately met to satisfaction. For instance, if Wall-mart Inc. aims at increasing the number of distribution channels to solve the problem which results from congestion in the operational stores, with regard to the Customer Service Perspective, an appropriate infrastructure has first to be put in place to handle the increased customer base.

References

Chen, D., & Miles, C. (2004). Working with Families: A Collaborative Approach. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

Cushing, L.S., Clark, N.M., Carter, E.W., & Kennedy, G.H. (2005). Access to the General Education Curriculum for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. Teaching Exceptional Children, 38(2), 6-13.

Finch, R. (2006). Workable Learning Strategies. Virginia: Core Book Publications.

Can Walmart Break the Retail Code in India?

Due to the fact that India is a growing economy, this state can become an essential destination for Walmart. Indias political environment is complex, with a large number of regulations obstructing large multinational companies from entering this market. Until recently, global retailers that sold goods from a variety of brands could not legally enter the Indian market, which changed in 2012 (Keegan & Green, 2017).

The changes that the government makes to the regulations applicable to retailers and the reform of the organized retail can help Walmart enter the market using a strategy that is already tested in other states. One threat, however, is that the Indian government will be fearful of the consequences that a decision to allow the large business to operate in the country will have on small businesses, which is why Walmart has to invest at least $100 million to create jobs for locals.

The economic position of India has two dimensions, one one hand, the countrys retail market is large, on the other, the infrastructure needed to open Walmarts stores is outdated and requires a substantial investment. When considering the market opportunity, one can argue that Walmarts commitment to having low prices is compatible with the economic state of Indias population. Currently, the sales in the retail industry of India are estimated at $500 billion annually (Keegan & Green, 2017).

From the perspective of Walmart as an investor, the poor infrastructure and inefficient supply chains hinder the market opportunity, there ar least seven intermediaries needed to transport the good to a store and much of the produce arrives spoiled, putting Walmart at risk of significant losses.

The cultural environment of India is an important factor for Walmarts expansion because of the major differences between the Western and Asian cultures that affect the customs and day to day life of the people. Another aspect of Indias environment is the way the local retailers currently operate, since the majority of shops are small stalls or stores that are 50 square feet in size, making them cramped and crowded (Keegan & Green, 2017).

The type of shops is an important factor because it reflects the kind of shopping experience that the people in India are accustomed to today. These factors can impact the market opportunity because they shape the legal requirements for Walmart, in terms of the market entrance strategy, partnerships, ability to sell different brands.

Some of the obstacles faced by Walmart and other retailers are connected to the specifics of the local market. Indias government aims to regulate the entrance of foreign companies, for example, by not allowing multi-brand stores to operate in the state. Apart from that, brands such as Nike and others had to use the franchise model.

Moreover, Walmart may face problems when opening its stores because people in India are used to small and chaotic retail markets and even the local retail chains, for example, Pantaloon, operate in bazaars rather than in their own retail spaces. The final obstacle is arranging the supplies management from the local farmers, which is both a problem of infrastructure and food safety standards.

The quadrant of the matrix that applies most directly to India is a joint venture or licensing. In fact, Walmart has already used this strategy in India to invest in farming facilities and work on opening stores with a local business (Keegan & Green, 2017). India is a culturally distant country when comparing it to Walmarts home market in the United States. Moreover, it is difficult to enter because of the large number of regulations and legal obstacles.

Walmart in New Zeland

This section will aim to explain the Place strategy for Walmarts global expansion, using the example of New Zelands market. Firstly, it is necessary to review the economic, political, and cultural factors that can either help Walmarts market entry or hinder it. The political factors that can impact Walmarts market opportunity are the openness of the government to support the international corporations in entering the market.

This state is a democracy, despite the fact that formally Queen Elisabeth is the head of it, meaning that the political environment is similar to that of America (Legal Tema New Zeland, 2019). There are no regulations or special requirements that Walmart would have to adhere to since the state supports and encourages foreign investment.

The economic factors that impact Walmarts market opportunity are the overall state of the economy, economic growth, and wealth of the nation. New Zelands economy developed through the free-market strategy, which suggests that if Walmart enters the market as is a viable competitor to the existing retailers, it can succeed in this market.

According to the World Banks 2018 Doing Business Report, it is number one in the ranking (Legal Tema New Zeland, 2019). One issue is that New Zelands market is relatively small, mainly because of the population size, which means that Walmart cannot expect to gain massive profits in this state.

The cultural factors should not become a barrier to Walmart. This state is a Western culture, partially influenced by the unique location of the country and its climate (Customs & culture in New Zeland, 2020). GLOBEs nine dimensions of culture analysis applied to New Zeland suggests that the state has high levels of power distance, assertiveness, future orientation, and other elements. Mainly, the state was influenced by the British culture and the indigenous Maori culture, combined with others, making it multi-dimensional.

The market expansion strategy is the organic strategy because New Zelands culture is similar to that of Walmarts domestic market and because the market entrance, based on the political analysis should not be an issue. With this approach, Walmart will use its own resources to establish a retail chain and partnerships with suppliers without a need to cooperate with local retailers or use franchising. This strategy is also the best choice because NEw Zelands market is small but well-developed, with good infrastructure and customer preferences similar to those in other Western markets.

In terms of place utility, Walmart has a successful strategy for choosing the offline store location and has an online website. Walmarts form utility is the strategy to sell a large variety of brands and goods at low prices, which meets the needs of the consumers. This can be its competitive advantage service the need of customers to choose from a variety of options at a need for a low cost, and customers want to buy everything they need in one trip, which is often impossible with smaller stores.

Time utility is leveraged by using advanced systems such as RFID tags, allowing Walmart to track the availability of items and manage its supply chain in a way that presents customers with an opportunity of purchasing everything they need in one trip to the store. Information utility is not a strong side of Walmarts stores, because online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, or Aliexpress allow customers to conduct more in-depth research on the product, however, because of the item availability.

The main issue with Walmart is that unlike the online-based giants, including Aliexpress, Amazon and others, it does not have a strong online presence. Table 1 is the SWOT analysis for Walmart, considering the retailers intentions to enter this market. Some issues with market entrance can be due to some parties in New Zeland advocating against foreigners purchasing local land (Legal Team New Zeland, 2019). For a small state such as New Zeland, this is especially important because the delivery of goods ordered online does not require complex logistics when compared to the United States.

Table 1. SWOT for Walmart in New Zeland (created by the author).

References

Customs & social culture in New Zealand. (2020). Web.

Keegan, W. & Green, M. C. (2017). Global marketing. Pearson.

Legal Team New Zeland. (2019). Politics and business: What does it mean for New Zeland? BizLatinHub. Web.

Overview of the company

Wal-Mart operates in retail stores that are widespread in the United States. The stores are also available in other countries. The enterprise branches include discount stores, neighborhood markets, and supercenters. The company has a distinguished competitive advantage in the market. The firm is the largest retailer due to its exceptional scale that enables it to gain market share from its competitors (Faarup, 2010). Much of the profits can be attributed to the large pool of employees. However, the profits are projected to go down due to healthcare and rising labor costs. An evaluation of Wal-Marts SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) is pertinent to understand the strategies of the company.

Strengths

Unprecedented Scale

One of the strengths is that Wal-Mart has an unprecedented scale that makes it a market leader due to its competitive advantage. The company has more than 8500 stores that garner approximately $400 billion in revenue.

Cost Differentiation

The other strength of Wal-Mart is that it effectively uses the cost differentiation technique (Faarup, 2010). This technique is superb to assist the company to provide products at low prices. The price strategy at Wal-Mart is flexible. Flexibility, in this case, implies that the company can lower or raise the price of the products depending on the changes in the market (Glandon, 2014). The flexibility in pricing enables the company to experience a larger pool of customers since customers are pleased with the services given by Wal-Mart. Most of the clients attribute Wal-Mart with reasonably priced products. Therefore, this keeps steady difficulty on the rivals. The competitors ineffectively utilize the cost differentiation strategy. This failure is attributed to the fact that they will be forced out of the market if they try the low price strategy practiced by Wal-Mart.

Internationalization Strategy

The other observable strength of Wal-Mart is that it can apply the internationalization strategy in the market. Ghazzawi (2014) argues that the internationalization strategy is a strong foundation for growth in the US market. This strength is particularly significant since the US market is reaching maturity. Taking Wal-Mart into context, it has more than 4000 units in 14 countries. Wal-Mart can extend its approach internationally through acquisitions and innovation. Observably, Wal-Mart has nine international store paradigms (Faarup, 2010). This is exceptional to the competitors. Wal-Mart is distinct because the firm has been able to hit a $100 billion net sales mark.

Weaknesses

Big Box Retailing Methodology

One of the weaknesses challenging Wal-Mart is its big-box retailing methodology. The hindrance of this method is that it limits penetration into urban areas. Therefore, the company has no substantial influence on the urban centers (Glandon, 2014). However, the management of the company believes that there are numerous opportunities to grow in urban settings. The scenario observed is that there has been cannibalization of the existing stores (Thompson, 2010). The cannibalization is brought by the development of large-format stores.

Litigations

The other observable weakness of Wal-Mart is various lawsuits in the economy. Ferrell (2014) argues that litigation affects labor relations negatively to provide products at low price points. Most of the time, Wal-Mart has been sued by different parties in the market. This causes the company to face a pre-tax charge that runs into millions. The low-cost strategy used by Wal-Mart coerces the company to purchase in bulk to keep their prices down.

Opportunities

Emerging markets

One of the opportunities is that there is the presence of emerging markets. In Asia, more markets are evolving that favors the scope of Wal-Mart. It is projected that China sales will grow by up to 16% in the following year. This is apparent because, in 2010, Chinas retail rose to approximately 17.9% (Ferrell, 2014). The increase in sales recorded $366.9 billion. The other emerging market comes from India. From growth statistics established by the Indian market, it can be predicted that the market will grow by 30% next year.

Internet marketing

The other opportunity lies within the internet marketing (Reed, 2015). Progressively, Wal-Mart has adopted the use of social media to reach diverse markets. This trend shows that Wal-Mart is continuing to embrace the use of technological advancement to enrich its marketing paradigm (Cleary, 2014). The company has opened a website where customers access information relating to the enterprise. Therefore, there is a high likelihood that Wal-Mart will reach more customers using internet marketing. For instance, Walmart.com traffic had more than one billion visits in 2010. The record was an increase of 15% in the previous year.

Threats

Wal-Mart faces numerous threats, which affects its ability to perform in the market. The following are the various threats faced by the company:

Healthy lifestyle Trend

The healthy lifestyle trend poses a significant threat to Wal-Mart. The trend threatens Wal-Marts business, as most of the products produced by the company are not healthy (Glandon, 2014). This threat is strangling since the company currently does not prioritize healthy products in its respective stores.

Unpredictable Commodity Prices and cost inflation

Wal-Mart is threatened by rapid changes in product prices (Ferrell, 2014). Also, the company faces stiff competition from other chain stores. The rapid changes in prices cause Wal-Mart to lower its prices to remain competitive in the market.

Lawsuits

The other noted threat is that Wal-Mart continues to be challenged by endless lawsuits. The company has not been able to pay its workforce accordingly. Furthermore, healthcare costs and wages are projected to increase, which will cause the company to experience escalated costs (Reed, 2015). Escalating labor expenditures make threats to Wal-Marts effectiveness and performance. This is apparent because more costs are incurred than the profit received (Cleary, 2014).

Resistance

The company also faces increased resistance to expansion from authorities and local firms. This is apparent because two local supermarkets close down whenever Wal-Mart enters a particular market. Thus, the enterprise faces severe competition from several groups when it thinks of opening new stores. This hinders new investment. The company is forced to stop the plans to expand to other areas where other supermarkets are operating.

Summary

In conclusion, Wal-Mart takes advantage of its strengths to gain a competitive advantage. However, it has several challenges threaten the firm such that its profit margins are always subjected to reductions. Nevertheless, some opportunities can be used to turn the threats and weaknesses of the firm into profit-generating opportunities. The other relevance from the discussion is that being a leader in the market could prone a firm to fierce competition.

References

Cleary, R. (2014). Supermarket Responses to Wal-Mart Supercenter Expansion: A Structural Approach. Empirical Economics, 47, 905-925.

Ferrell, O. (2014).Marketing Strategy:Text and Cases. Mason: South- Western/CengageLearning.

Faarup, P. (2010). The Marketing Framework. Aarhus: Academica.

Ghazzawi, I. (2014).The Wal-Mart Stores, Inc: An American Dream that Touched the World. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 20, 9-32.

Glandon, P. (2014). Sales And Firm Entry: The Case Of Wal-Mart. Southern Economic Journal, 81, 168-192.

Reed, T. (2015). Employee Class Actions Four Years After Wal-Mart V. Dukes. Defense Counsel Journal, 82, 255-281.

Thompson, J. (2010) Strategic Management. Andover: Cengage Learning.

Human Resource Management is the main component of the companys activities, which is responsible for the efficiency and productivity of work. An organization can earn a competitive advantage by efficiently using its people and developing plans based on its knowledge and abilities to accomplish well-defined goals. These essential departments play a significant role in enterprises as they manage a varied workforce. Human Resource Management at Walmart Inc. prioritizes its employees and implements strategies and policies to improve working conditions for its people.

Similarly, Walmart managers consistently prioritize and bear responsibility for enhancing employee performance. The staffing process is crucial in human resource management (Snell & Morris, 2023). Internal oversight by the Department of Human Resources and a more significant portion of the workforce are related to this. Planning the force and preparing the options before starting the task assigned to the staff to achieve organizational goals is crucial. The concept that people are an organizations most valuable asset is widely accepted (Bao et al., 2021). Moreover, businesses need competent people to achieve their objectives (Snell & Morris, 2023). Most organizational improvement will only happen if the proper personnel with the appropriate habits, abilities, and expertise are there. Planning the workforce was crucial to attaining this goal, as was any meaningful connection between business planning and development, hiring and staff retention, and employee training.

Walmart is concerned about its human resource and recruitment systems. The company ensures that they efficiently meet the requirements for this purpose and consistently implements the strategy. They appropriately pre-assessed the position before beginning the selection process and announcing the opening. Despite being accused of discrimination and poor treatment, particularly concerning low-paid employees, The workforce is the focus of this layout, which provides the chance to concentrate on long-term thinking about future needs, related services, and strategies. As a result, businesses start to value central planning for business operations. The crucial phase of human resources management is the hiring process. It should be properly thought out and structured so the company can hire the best candidate for the job rather than merely making another employee available. According to Walmart, which always employs competent individuals, employees with the proper training and abilities are more effective (2022). Numerous issues were encountered throughout this procedure, including managers failure to concentrate, lack of time, and lack of financial resources.

To fulfill Walmarts objectives, it is accountable for managing personnel from induction to enhance commitment, decrease absenteeism, and reduce turnover. It is also responsible for raising skill levels and productivity and improving its works caliber and effectiveness. A few critical criteria have been used since the turn of the 20th century to achieve the highest performance standards (Collings et al., 2018). Some HR professionals later developed these criteria, and they strongly advise the organization to abide by the rules of these standards for the performance of high-quality employees. There are several best practices to maintain the advantage of employing employees for profit by giving the personnel at Walmart the respect they deserve (Xie & Cooke, 2019). These practices include job stability, hiring qualified candidates, extensive training, information sharing, using skilled teams, and paying employees significantly more profit-based wages to lessen positional inequities.

The process, human resources, and international company policy must all harmonize with one another. For instance, according to experts, life cycle models that support human resources can be identified readily in the development stage of any business by the policies and practices it adopts during the development or life cycle process (Bao et al., 2021). There are more models of competitive advantage than Porters theory on strategic decision-making. It lays out the organizations possibilities for using several human resource techniques to establish a competitive strategy. The third option is configurational models, which offer a more precise assessment and depend on an organizational approach to choose the best human resources policies and procedures. Walmart is renowned for using this strategy because it carefully finds the finest candidates for each position (Walmart, 2022). After all, there are not many openings and has stringent guidelines for the second performance reviews.

Since resources are few and play a crucial role in developing administrative value for human resources, harmony, and effective human resource management are ideal for Walmart. However, scarce resources can be challenging to replace and tough to arrange appropriately (Xie & Cooke, 2019). Walmart is a legitimate keyword in the human resources industry as long as the staff members work to achieve the organizations objectives. It is founded on the core tenet that since people are not like machines, any organization must regularly conduct multidisciplinary assessments of all its employees (Collings et al., 2018). Walmart and a strong learning strategy to increase employee capabilities Dave Ulrich came up with a method frequently used to illustrate the role of human resources management and lists four areas of responsibility: business partnership and strategic, owing to the changing agent, a staff member hero, and administrative specialists (Lin, 2019).

Walmart constantly prioritizes the finest strategies and practices. Thus there is a connection between the company strategy and the human resources management strategy. The workforce at Walmart is effective at continuously reviewing the organizations human resources strategy through employee research, feedback, and surveys (Xie & Cooke, 2019). The study of human resources management and associated benefits is available at some universities and colleges. The first Cornell University in the world to begin full-time study in educational administration and human resources management. To communicate with different projects and sectors that handle these projects in their human resources, Walmart has an excellent training and education system for employees in the teaching profession.

At Walmart, many new occupations involve recruitment, hiring, interviews in general, equal employment chances, or professional employer organizations. Regular training sessions are held as the trainers expand their areas of expertise (Walmart, 2022). Human resources representatives at Walmart refer to their staff as partners. As a result of hiring these individuals to provide them with better facilities, lawsuits against Walmart claim that the corporation discriminated against disabled workers and ultimately lost some of its effectiveness. The company was accused of working with children as well.

In conclusion, Human Resource Management has a leading role in the provision of effective work for the organizations. Walmart pays considerable attention to this aspect and strives to create a favorable environment for its employees. This manifests itself not only in working to improve the conditions for improving performance, but also in focusing on the requirement process and training. At the same time, whether Walmart adopts a low-cost or a differentiation strategy, these rules and practices achieve specific goals to reduce costs. Still, the company inspires people to contribute more to businesses and culture.

Questions

The interview will be conducted with Doreen Caldwell, HR Manager at Walmart Inc.

1. What about working in human resources do you like best?
2. Please briefly describe the HR environment you would like to work in.
3. What would you like to accomplish in HR in the future?
4. Why did you think about a career in human resources?
5. What inquiries would you make of me if you were conducting the interview?
6. What do you believe will be the most significant development in the field of human resources over the next five years?
7. Who is your role model in the field of human resources?
8. When you were a college student, which human resources courses piqued your attention the most?
9. What made you decide to work for our business?
10. In your opinion, what makes you the most outstanding candidate for the HR manager role at our organization? What would you say your managerial style is?
11. What skills do you have that will make you a successful HR manager for our business?
12. Describe a challenging situation you encountered with a coworker or management and how you handled it.
13. What academic credentials do you have that make you eligible for this HR role at our business?
14. How long have you worked in human resources?
15. What prior project management experience do you have as an HR manager?
16. How adaptable are you while using HR software systems?
17. How have you handled disputes inside an organization?
18. How have you handled being in charge of a hiring team? Give an example from your experience.
19. How can you persuade the team members you are leading to cooperate?
20. What is your approach to hiring as an HR professional?

References

Bao, H. J., Cheng, H. K., Vejayaratnam, N., Anathuri, A., Seksyen, S., Bangi, B. B., & Bakar, A. A. (2021). A study on human resource function: Recruitment, training and development, performance appraisal and compensation. Journal of Global Business and Social Entrepreneurship (GBSE), 7(20). Web.

Collings, D. G., Wood, G. T., & Szamosi, L. T. (2018). Human resource management: A critical approach. (D. G.Collings, G. T. Wood, & L. T. Szamosi, Eds.). In Human resource management (pp. 1-23). Routledge.

Lin, R. (2019). The importance of successful inventory management to enterprises: A case study of Wal-Mart. In 2019 International Conference on Management, Finance and Social Sciences Research (MFSSR 2019). Francis Academic Press.

Snell, S. & Morris. S. (2023). Managing human resources. Cengage Learning.

Walmart. (2022). Walmart corporate. Walmart.com; Walmart Corporate. Web.

Xie, Y., & Cooke, F. L. (2019). Quality and cost? The evolution of Walmarts business strategy and human resource policies and practices in China and their impact (19962017). Human Resource Management, 58(5), 521541. Web.

Background of the Case

The explosion of retail stores worldwide has opened many channels where consumers can access product information and numerous buying options. Wal-Mart is the worlds largest retail store, headquartered in the U.S., and operates in 15 countries with over 6500 stores globally (Hunt et al., 2018). The authors reveal that the mega retail store was compelled to venture into international expansion since the early 1990s due to unrelenting changes in the home market. The fast growth of stores across the U.S. resulted in the overshadowing of old stores by new ones as the market got flooded with similar businesses. Wal-Mart is now expanding its business operations to other countries outside of the USA, especially those marked as fast-growing markets for retail stores (Hunt et al., 2018). Carl Douglas, the president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wal-Mart, has been furnished with the knowledge about numerous issues linked to the expansion of the departmental store to the target South Korean and Chinese markets (Pattnaik et al., 2020). Four specific matters related to cultural orientation, including aspects of communication and work style, supplier contracts, employment hiring choices, and employee recognition practices, have been noted. In line with these issues, the CEO has called for a comprehensive analysis of each one of them with a view of suggesting feasible approached to address them.

In todays global economy, businesses of all types and sizes strive to establish operations in foreign markets. The specific objective for the expansion of Wal-Mart includes the seizure of new distribution territories. About 95% of the worlds population lives outside of the United States of America (Pattnaik et al., 2020). As a result, growth to South Korea and China will offer the retail store a chance to conquer new market niches and deliver products to more consumers. Another reason for Wal-Marts plan is to ensure asset diversification, which will protect the business from unpredictable occurrences (Bretos et al., 2020). For instance, expansion to South Korea and China will allow the company to cushion negative growth in one market by operating fruitfully in another. The strategy will also enable Wal-Mart to maintain a positive revenue stream since it will introduce differentiated products and services from hundreds of top manufacturing companies globally. Implementing this agenda is highly recommended since it will have more benefits for the company in terms of increased market share, which is expected to boost profitability.

Potential Countries and Business Circumstances for International Expansion

Although there are many countries that Wal-Mart would wish to establish its chain store business, various challenges associated with cultural and religious orientation have thwarted the companys efforts. Various principles, guidelines, and criteria for business activities in different countries have profound effects on the implementation of commercial practices. Consequently, Wal-Mart selected South Korea and China as potential areas for its international growth due to various reasons.

South Korea

South Korea is a potential market for retail stores. The nation is renowned for specialization in the production of high financial information and incentives that are directed towards the improvement of its economy. According to Yonder et al. (2016), the country is technologically-driven and a high taste for producing hardware, petrochemicals, ships, vehicles, and mechanical technology, among others. However, the expansion of Wal-Mart to this region will encounter developmental challenges since the stores primary products are grocery and foodstuff. According to Hunt et al. (2016), Wal-Mart had penetrated the Korean market in the late 1990s to implement its strategy for international expansion.

Nonetheless, the retail store was not ready for a localization plan, and it suffered a significant failure because the management upheld the American way of marketing in the foreign land. The people of South Korea have divergent tastes and preferences from those of Americans. The merchandising mix of Wal-Mart is unpopular in the Korean culture, as they perceive it to be too westernized for local competitors (Lerner, 2018). People in this part of the world prefer making purchases from the local stores for daily consumer products. From the perspectives of many Koreans, Wal-Marts persistence on Every-Day Low Price (EDLP) philosophy had less value since its stores were established in commercially inappropriate locations to create sufficient consumer traffic. As such, the stores low cost and price strategy did not fit well in the Korean market setup, depriving it of competitive advantage.

Having experienced such conditions in the past, Wal-Mart has an opportunity to reestablish its stores, provided the company is willing to tailor an effective localization strategy that favors the consumption behavior of the Korean people. The company should also develop an achievable reentry plan that encompasses a clear projection of the amount of capital it is willing to invest in this market. The success of foreign business in an international market depends on the compatibility of its corporate exclusive value proposition and tactical fit with the general market settings.

One primary factor that can contribute to Wal-Marts success in this market is the creation of value that aligns with the tastes and preferences of the Korean people. For instance, the store can offer fresh produce that has been partially processed and repackaged in a way that leaves it ready to cook or consume. Wal-Mart should also include a Deli section that offers traditional foodstuffs popular among the Korean people (Cao et al., 2019). The meat section can also be set to cut and package meat products based on the preferences of consumers. Furthermore, the giant store should reenter the Korean market through a local partner to avoid repeating its previous mistake of implementing an alien American standardization strategy. Wal-Marts entry mode will play a significant role in developing its strategy and positioning in the foreign market.

China

Currently, Wal-Mart is aggressively targeting China, which is regarded as a high-income economy. This characteristic implies that the country has potential customers that can afford both essential and non-essential goods. Politically, the state has a stable government and, thus, people in China are more likely to purchase everyday consumables than those in countries with unstable regimes (Anwar, 2017). This position puts the country as a potential market for Wal-Marts goods and services.

One of the primary challenges for establishing retail store business in China is major departmental stores, such as Suning Commerce Group and Red Star Macalline Holding Group. Wal-Mart would face enormous rivalry in the retail market because these competitors are well-established and claim the Chinese market (Kim et al., 2019). However, Wal-Marts pricing strategy will position the business in a competitive space, attracting many consumers. Wales et al. (2019) reveal that Like Parnell, a former vice-president of Wal-Mart, highlighted that the business needed to change with its customers to stay successful. To compete in China, the retail store must allow its consumers to shop in a manner that makes them most comfortable (Wales et al., 2019). For instance, the people of this nation enjoy shopping with their families and like examining products closely. To fit the shopping experience of Chinese consumers, Wal-Mart must have broader shopping walkways to display their products well so that their buyers may touch and study them as they shop.

Cultural Orientation of the Target Markets

Wal-Marts formula does not fit in every culture, as evidenced in its business interventions in countries such as South Korea, Germany, and Mexico. The departmental store withdrew its businesses from various despite its fair prices and a wide range of products. The fallbacks can be attributed to its failure to align its globalization strategy with the habits of shoppers in target markets. To blend in with the shopping culture of consumers in both China and South Korea, Wal-Mart will have to enter the niches by identifying and acquiring one major store in each of the countries (Peng, 2016). Nevertheless, the integration of acquisitions calls for more sensitivity to ensure appropriate consolidation of multiple control centers and imposition of the companys corporate culture on foreign employees and shoppers.

Although international expansion has turned the world into a smaller place where people can conduct borderless business, there are still many challenges that multinational companies, such as Wal-Mart, encounter while transacting on a global scale. Religion and culture have been significant players in this area, as Christian leaders encounter solitude and difficulty in fast-paced and information-saturated countries, such as China and South Korea (Werner & Sun, 2015). Divergent religious views on leadership and management variously generate misunderstanding in organizations driven by pragmatism. Nonetheless, Wal-Mart needs to adopt a bipartisan approach that encompasses cultural and religious inclusivity to thrive in South Korea and China, where the people practice little or no Christian ideologies.

Conclusion

Wal-Mart is seen as an aggressive business that can gain a competitive advantage over other stores, which are often smaller, in foreign markets. Wal-Mart has aggressively targeted China. It is owing to the economic expansion taking place right currently, the retail store in an ideal position to seize a vast market opportunity. Wal-Mart exports approximately $10 billion worth of goods from China annually (Yoder et al., 2019). According to Bretos et al. (2020), the retail store had established over 26 stores by the end of 2003; however, it still lags behind Carrefour S.A., which runs 45 hypermarkets and 90 Dia discount stores in China alone. It is important to note that Carrefour entered the Chinese market later in 2004. The size of Wal-Mart gives it immense purchasing power, which offers a competitive advantage over its rivals. In China, Wal-Marts chief in Asia spent much time checking in local markets and shops to comprehend the goods better the typical Chinese consumer wants to buy (Rottig & de Oliveira, 2019). This position will allow them to have the collections and choices of merchandise that appeal to the Chinese people. In Mexico, Wal-Mart learned by trial and error that what they sell in the U.S. is not going to be the same elsewhere.

Another strategy that Wal-Mart utilizes is organic growth. This approach is noted when a company uses its resources to open a store or to acquire existing retail facilities from established ones. This strategy hinges on the availability of the firms assets to support the high cost of the initial investment. Wal-Mart has adequate financial resources to engage in business collaborations, whether acquisition or merger, with established retail stores in foreign countries. Therefore, the firm should take advantage of its strong financial position to lure established businesses into mergers or acquisitions as one way of blending in the foreign market niches in China and South Korea.

References

Anwar, S. T. (2017). Alibaba: Entrepreneurial growth and global expansion in B2B/B2C markets. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 15(4), 366-389.

Bretos, I., Díaz-Foncea, M., & Marcuello, C. (2020). International expansion of social enterprises as a catalyst for scaling up social impact across borders. Sustainability, 12(8), 3262.

Cao, J., Ellis, K. M., & Li, M. (2019). Inside the board room: The influence of nationality and cultural diversity on cross-border merger and acquisition outcomes. Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, 53(4), 1031-1068.

Hunt, I., Watts, A., & Bryant, S. K. (2018). Walmarts international expansion: Successes and miscalculations. Journal of Business Strategy, 39(2), 22-29.

Kim, J., Song, H., Choi, J., Kim, Y., & Hong, J. (2019). Channel stickiness in the shopping journey for electronics: Evidence from China and South Korea. Journal of Business Research. Web.

Lerner, M. B. (2018). The death of liberal internationalism? Donald Trump, Walmart, and the two Koreas. Journal of American-East Asian Relations, 25(2), 169-197.

Pattnaik, C., Singh, D., & Gaur, A. S. (2020). Home country learning and international expansion of emerging market multinationals. Journal of International Management. Web.

Peng, M. W. (2016). Global business (4^th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Rottig, D., & de Oliveira, R. T. (2019). International expansion of Chinese emerging market multinational corporations to developed markets: A qualitative analysis of post-acquisition and integration strategies. In Chinese acquisitions in developed countries (pp. 37-53). Springer, Cham.

Wales, W., Gupta, V. K., Marino, L., & Shirokova, G. (2019). Entrepreneurial orientation: International, global and cross-cultural research. International Small Business Journal, 37(2), 95-104.

Werner, D., & Sun, X. P. (2015). Christianity in China. The Ecumenical Review, 67(1), 1-6.

Yoder, S., Visich, J. K., & Rustambekov, E. (2016). Lessons learned from international expansion failures and successes. Business Horizons, 59(2), 233-243.

In order to understand the reasons for Walmart’s failure in the UK, it is essential to mention the concept of strategic failure. The strategic management phase requires at least three responsibilities for the management: identifying, conducting and reviewing the applicable strategy (Santos, 2015). An organization can witness failure for many reason but the most common cause is related to inappropriate strategy execution, which is why implementation is sometimes described as a weaknesses of strategic management. Unfortunately, most company’s strategic attempts have struggled during this critical period, and companies nowadays are losing substantial capital investment.

Based on the FT article, Walmart Company had already experienced failure in other countries, of which the most notorious failure was in Germany. In 2006 Walmart came out of Germany after struggling with Aldi and Lidl and battling with labour unions (Knorr, 2003). Germany was perhaps the greatest example of Walmart failing and crashing (Eley A. G., 2020). However, the same strategic mistakes can be identified from this failure in the United Kingdom; Walmart did not grasp the local market; the company applied the model which was working in the United States without taking the time to analyse and consider possible side effects they might have if that strategy did not work. The UK is different, it has a variety of innovative markets available to all its inhabitants for over a decade now where competition is evident, offering shopping and delivery online.

Another reason of failure can be found in latest media reports which acknowledge Walmart’s history of job challenges (Hotten, 2019). Employees are part of the company’s success and also recognised as a stakeholder. They have limited influence in the company’s decision making but can have a significant impact to the business directly. Walmart was considered to have ethics concerns which can be a result of their business strategy. The organization has selected the cost leadership approach that has proven effective in focusing cost and achieving competitive edge in its business. The idea that Walmart is pressured to generate profit rather than to concentrate on its workers has culminated in several concerns and the ethics problems confronting the business. As a result Walmart’s Profits in the UK-based stores suddenly suffer a decline from 2016 to 2018 as shown in the FT article which can be appreciated in figure 2 (Eley A. G., 2020). But if Walmart had to shift the corporate strategy from cost leadership to decreased negative feedback and better turnover rates, it would radically change its basis for itself and eventually go out of business.

How the failure could be avoided

The transboundary cross-cultural market, even for the largest corporations, is a challenge. Companies must be mindful of local traditions and adapt their offers to the local consumer. In order to localise their deals (Ryu, 2011), Walmart and other businesses that work internationally must carry out a cultural review of the country’s people before transactions take place. This cultural appraisal can shape the foundation for both their organizational and engagement strategy. This lets businesses assess the efficacy of their efforts to identify and to make appropriate improvements to local policy and strategies if necessary. Taking into consideration the following moves, Wal-Mart or some other organization will aid in the global partnership or enterprise.

The bonus compensation of Walmart is mostly focused on superiors and executives. The business provides even benefits to lower-ranking workers, although to a smaller extent. As a consequence, benefits seem to have a stronger influence on management and subordinates. Walmart could correct this gap by implementing a current approach to retain managers and superiors’ benefits, both also greatly improving incentives for low-ranking jobs. After all, these are the individuals who store their shelves of items and communicate with consumers frequently. Walmart’s Human Resource Management Department would begin to examine how recruiting, benefits, preparation, success management and job growth strategies will have a beneficial effect on their retention and potentially allow the business to become more successful in the sector.

Conclusion

Walmart is a retail merchandise corporation that operates in small town America which might establish itself as a big local employer. This encouraged Walmart to exploit its dominance because workers had no other option of employers and consumers had no variety of choice for discount foods and wide stores. Walmart acquired the British food retailer Asda in 1999. Asda has seen declining revenue, heavy employee turnover, and reduced earnings since then. Still in the UK, Walmart fares better than in Germany (Eley A. G., 2020). Walmart has truly fallen into the care of its workers, leading to areas like the UK and Germany to less profitable cycles. Particularly their inconsistency to adjust to the various countries’ consumer prices.

By way of the discussion and case study above it is necessary to say that Walmart struggled in the United Kingdom because of its incorrect strategy and inadequate control of its activities. The business has not been able from the very beginning and even worked without necessary analyses before joining an international market. The business often attempted to use its conventional USA strategy, which was not acceptable for British markets because each nation has its own culture and values. Cultural principles are important for efficient processes under which Walmart was unable to grasp its clients. The business could not pick the best start-up approach, so it acquired second-class operators, which often was a big fault.

To conclude, Walmart holds a strategic edge in a certain manner as its approaches, such as a regular low price, are special towards its company. These tactics are considered to build a difference between Walmart’s success and its rivals, but the true power of the business resides inside its staff. Walmart has to maximise his intellectual resources by meeting corporate goals in order to continue to expand and stay successful. It did not support the workers who were crucial to a company’s progress. Through maintaining and improving its human resources efficiently and effectively, Walmart can accomplish strategic business priorities and considerable consumer performance.

In this modern world almost, all people like to go in big stores to buying their groceries such as Superstore, Walmart and no frills. Now a days most Canadian buy their groceries from Walmart because, Walmart provide variety of things services and prices of the products. However, some people also like to go their local stores to buying their groceries these local stores charge high prices, but they provide fresh and organic products which helps the local economy to grow. When Shoppers think about buying their groceries they always think about going to the big stores, such as Walmart. Because of the variety and prices of the products that they offer. However, there are other places to go when you think about groceries and items for your home; local stores. This stores you could find fresh and local products for a little higher price but its more organic and helps the local economy to grow. But does Walmart have fresh and local products? This may be a question that the community might not be thinking when buying their groceries or needs in stores. In this paper, it will be shown each side of the coin; Walmart and Local shops.

Shopping at Walmart

Quality of products at Walmart stores

Walmart has made an initiative about promoting transparency and products quality. They have created three transparency strategies to show the customer what kind of products they are buying. Enhancing food and general merchandise product safety, reducing chemicals of concern and Promoting animal welfare. These three strategies help the customers to know what they are buying and what they are eating, because now people do care for what kind of products they are putting inside their bodies by showing the ingredients that each product has, they even created a policy for it and asked brands to show the ingredients on their products because they care about their customer satisfaction and last, Walmart has a policy and supports the Five Freedoms; Freedom from hunger or thirst, discomfort, pain, injury or disease, fear and distress and freedom to express normal behavior towards the animals .

Locality of Stores

Walmart has shown in increment of stores across the world by having a total of 11,735 stores worldwide. 4,761 in the U.S and in Canada 410 stores . There are 16 Walmart across the GTA in Ontario. This means that Walmart it’s very accessible for many people across the city of Toronto and its surroundings. But, Walmart is not very accessible in the countryside of Canada. The only way that you might be able to go is if you drive many kilometers far from your home or even from local stores. Therefore, people are willing to spend more money on gas, than helping the local economy and local products.

Effect on local economy

The Walton family is one of the wealthiest family in U.S. , and they share the 51% of their company; Walmart. This company possesses different CEOs in different countries, in Canada the CEO is Lee Tappenden. Bringing Walmart to Canada has helped increase many job opportunities across the country not just by retailing but in construction, farms, factories, distribution centers among others . Global News in 2015, explained that Walmart is a U.S. company and their goal is to bring money that was invested back to their country, therefore the money doesn’t stay in Canada.

Shopping at local shops

Quality of products at local shops

Local shops across Canada has variety and enriching flavors that help your body to stay healthier and more motivate it. In Toronto, there are many stores to go when the community wants to buy local such as St. Lawrence Market, Dufferin Grove, Good Rebel, among others. Nowadays, people want to know more about where their food comes from, and who grows it, that’s why people are demanding more local shops and more local products . This is when local shops have the advantage because people are able to know where the products are coming from, which in this case are from the Canadian farms across the country. Although in this kind of stores the food might be a little more expensive and compare to Walmart the eggs may cost 2.27, in the local shops these kinds of eggs will be a little bit higher, therefore people decide to expend more money and more time driving than going to the local shops and buy a better and healthier product.

Locality of Stores

Around the GTA there are many local shops, even the convenient stores in the corners of our streets. They are very accessible for everyone not just by car, but just walking a few meters. Consequently, you get healthy food and good exercise. When it comes to buy in the countryside of GTA, thanks to Google Maps, you can find stores and events near your home and you are able to help the local economy to grow by buying near the farms.

Effect on local economy

Purchasing locally enables the nearby economy to develop because you are supporting the neighborhood families that claim Canadian ranches, which you make them increment their business and get sans GMO natural nourishment. Essentially, you are purchasing solid nearby sustenance, and helping individuals to develop their neighborhood organizations .

Shopping at Walmart or shopping at the local shops is a suspected that many us may have with regards to purchasing for our requirements. Purchasing at Walmart causes us set aside extra cash however purchasing at neighborhood shops enables the nearby economy to develop by supporting neighborhood items and neighborhood proprietors. Individuals are beginning to understand that purchasing shabby probably won’t be the least expensive approach to live, claiming as opposed to strolling to the closest basic need shop you are pushing miles from your home just to purchase greater and less expensive than locally and more beneficial.

References

1. Group, B. &. (2018). Retrieved from Shopping-Canada: https://www.shopping-canada.com/stores-brands/walmart
2. Hanbury, M. (2018, August 18). Business Insider. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-waltons-spend-their-fortune-2017-7
3. Hesterman, O. B. (2017, April 25). Business Insider. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/the-demand-for-local-food-is-growing-2017-4
4. Kurtek, S. (2017, June 1). Sotheby’s International Reality. Retrieved from https://torontoism.com/toronto-news/2017/06/local-stores-toronto
5. Location Facts. (2018). Retrieved from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.: https://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/locations/united-states#/canada
6. MacDonald, D. (2015, February 11). Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/video/1825638/how-wal-marts-expansion-will-affect-canadas-economy
7. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (2017). Retrieved from corporate.walmart.com: https://corporate.walmart.com/2016grr/enhancing-sustainability/promoting-product-transparency-and-quality

Introduction

International expansion has been slowly gaining much consideration from all industries that planned to expand overseas. Significant factors that must be measured in the decision-making procedure will be business approaches, entry methods, and threats and prospects available in the marketplaces. Suitable strategies used will also help to decrease the risk of disappointment in the global markets. When a company makes the right choice of business guidelines and entrance modes, the corporation will then be able to prosper in the market. The decision of entry modes and business plans will affect the future of the vendor in the targeted marketplaces as well. Hence, organisations that wish to go global must use the most appropriate approaches to venture in their targeted markets to guarantee achievement for their business.

Background of the study

Walmart was formed in 1962, by Sam Walton. The company got its title from the household name Walton, branding Walmart the connotation of Walton’s martin long. Walmart is a big corporation, and it accomplished to endure in the 2008 depression hit in the United States. Walmart had been rising fast all over the years, and the market growth and sales were cumulating every year. For a fast-growing vendor like Walmart, it is significant to have to use the best entrance modes to go to a new market (Fred, 2011).

Numerous studies had been done to study more about the globalization of the retail industry, and the common of researches done are mostly used to define the scales and motivations for international growth by retailers. Walmart selected to enter the marketplaces of China (Mun, 2012). There are quite a lot of reasons why global retailing had been a prevalent issue. Retailers who take the act of going into the international market is mostly for the idea that the domestic markets are flooded, desires for more massive, diverse investments, financial pressures and several internal and external forces. Hence, the desires guide retailers to venture into new markets, and it is vital for the retailer to select the precise market entry strategy into the global markets (Sternquist, 2007).

Applicable theoretical principals

Psychologist Dr Geert Hofstede did put forward his cultural scopes model at the end of the 1970s, founded on a span of research. Subsequently, it became a globally recognized standard for comprehending cultural variances. Under his classification, he states that the power distance index exists due to the high amount of inequality among people without power and is accepted. Conferring to the model, in a high PDI country, such as China, team associates will not recruit any action, and they like to be steered and directed to finish a task (Hoppe, 2004). If a director does not take responsibility, they may deliberate that the work is not significant.

Individualism versus collectivism is compared to the strength of the bonds that individuals have to the rest of the people within the work environment. A high IDV grade specifies feeble interpersonal connection amongst those who are not part of the group (Helmreich, 2017). Here, individuals take less accountability for others’ doings and outcomes. The management should distinguish individual accomplishments. Management must avoid mixing work life with social life excessively and must encourage teamwork and countenance of employee’s ideas. If China workforce has low IDV, the supervisors should avoid saying negative comments in the public and promote a learning culture within the company.

Masculinity versus femininity is the delivery of roles among men and women. In masculine cultures, the responsibilities of men and women overlay less, as men are supposed to behave assertively. Representing employee’s success, and being fast and robust, are understood as positive characteristics. In feminine civilizations, there is an excessive deal of connection between male and female duties, and modesty is alleged to be a virtue. Hence, greatness is placed on good relations with direct managers or working with persons who collaborate well with one another (Hoppe, 2004). Walmart executive must different gender roles and recognize the risks and opportunities.

Uncertainty avoidance index explains how people can cope with anxiety in workplaces. Walmart board should bear in mind that sidestepping uncertainty is not indeed the same as evading risk. Hofstede claims that one may find individuals in high-scoring states who are ready to engage in risky behaviour, just because it decreases uncertainties, or to evade failure (Helmreich, 2017). Hence, management should be clear and concise about prospects and objectives and set defined restrictions. However, they should encourage imaginative thinking and negotiation where possible.

Long verse short orientation is the time horizon in which people in China will display. Countries with long-term alignment tend to be practical, modest, and more economical. In short-term oriented states, persons tend to place more weight on ideologies, uniformity and truth and are characteristically nationalistic and religious. Lastly, the component of Indulgence versus restraint allow or encourage comparatively free satisfaction of employees’ ambitions and emotions. Culture with a low IVR notch, there is the importance of suppressing fulfilment and more directive of people’s behaviour and performance, and there are strong social standards (Hoppe, 2004).

Application in theory of case analysis

In assessing the culture of China as a portion of Wal-Mart’s corporate operation, Hofstede’s scopes culture was used. It is vital to be aware and understand these cultural dimensions for they affect the internal and external work practices of administrations that function on an intercultural stage. Power distance is defined as the degree to which the less powerful affiliates of organizations within a nation expect and admit that power is dispersed unequally. It is based on how equal, or unequal, the individuals are in a precise society or country. In China, they rank as a high-power distance meaning there is a substantial amount of inequalities in wealth and power within China. As an outcome, it is reasonably likely that that culture employs a class system and does not allow significant development for its individuals (‘Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions’ 2010).

In the business-oriented background, companies with a high-power distance adopt a high administrative structure since there is more significant and advanced rigidity about hierarchy. Likewise, there is a considerable number of managerial staffs to the overall human resource populace, high job position for administrative work, huge compensation disparities, and low necessities for entry-level positions.

Individualism is an established set of standards that worry about the relationship of an individual to his or her collectivity in the world. In China, the individualism was low which specifies that China is a country with little individualism and has a cooperative nature where close bonds happen among the public (‘Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions’ 2010). Furthermore, collectivistic persons also see themselves about a cultural and social context. This is a big challenge for Wal-Mart bearing in mind that their mother state United States has high collectivism as it viewed through the nature of their relations. Persons who exist in such places live in nuclear families, as opposed to extremely collective Asian people who usually live with people of their extended relatives.

In China, they have a high number of masculinities. This is significant for Wal-Mart’s process since it relates to success, industrial contention, high development, work stress, aggression, and struggle. To be more exact, companies that are extra masculine are aggressive, fact-based and focus more on expansion and growth over harmony and steadiness (Mun, 2012). Conversely, a feminine-oriented corporation is more worried about social communication and procedures among human resources. Besides, such corporations have an understanding and development nature, which implies that there is more emphasis on interpersonal operative and accord over personal gain. Hence, the workers’ welfare is the leading concern, for the reason that this results in the business’s ability to create the capability of an employee to contribute to personal welfare in the firm.

As understood in the index, China has little uncertainty evasion which shows that the republic was less inflexible when it comes to change, have fewer instructions and regulations, could mitigate risks, because they could efficiently endure various opinions (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions, 2010). For Wal-Mart, indecision may originate from the internal and external setting. Management reply to such uncertainties, by the use of rules and technology, has implications to its image of low or high uncertainty evasion. This might be a considerable challenge for Wal-Mart as China will not merely embrace the transformation they would take in the country.

After additional examinations which were primarily focused on Chinese directors and workers, Hofstede presented a fifth cultural component, which is the long-term positioning. This emphasis on how countries do not apply or apply long-term dedication to general and forward intelligent principles (Geert Hofstede cultural proportions 2010). Nations with significant levels of long-term alignment endorse robust work ethics and forestall long-term rewards as an outcome of current hard work. Hence, long-term obligations are emphasized, and societies are appreciated (Geert Hofstede cultural proportions 2010). This is a good test for Wal-Mart because they came from republics with low points of long-term alignment that are proficient to skill change since long-term behaviours and customs are narrowed, and shifting from status quo is no longer opposed.

General managerial insight

Diversity in companies is a competitive benefit for leveraging the gaps in the marketplace of business internationally A good management that adopts variety can support in massive development of teamwork and also aids in refining the output of an organization. Multinational corporations like Walmart and a lot more have reserved diversity directors as their topmost level personnel in their businesses. Diversity also has a significant position as it helps in satisfying multi-cultural customers of any society and can handle the expanded market place in the globalize setting (Luo, 2007).

It is understandable that when an expanded teamwork calm, due to various reasons like cultural difference and language barriers many problems may occur. However, in all organization, it is serious about analyzing the source of these issues, and it is essential to find out what deters the teamwork in such circumstances. Cultural variance is the primary cause of the cross-cultural matters in most situations in a company. (Dong, 2006) States that organized strategic management method starting from strategic design, application and planned evaluation. In strategic construction, managers ought to develop the vision, mission and objectives.

Nonetheless, managers should conduct the SWOT investigation and also formulate the standards for selection and then collectively choose the strategy. Then in strategic execution stage directors must assign suitable resources and implement the policy. In the assessment procedure of managing the diversity, managers set the control method, evaluate and access the planned execution and align corrective schedules whenever it is obligatory. Therefore, this kind of strategic managing of diversity is much essential for preferably dealing with the cross social subjects in a company proactively (Luo, 2007).

Choy et al. (2013) state the need of differentiated management style which comprises of altering current management procedures In segregated management tactic managers must take a different administrative method which adjusts to the business setting and the features of multinational staffs. Managerial skills must be removed from a firm level to general thinking. Nevertheless, this can be achieved by working on adapting to a multilingual and environment. This similarly consists of the need to practice for equal chance theory and to be executed by the organisations.

Several studies also attest that managing diversity is not only for differentiated recruitment of staffs but also allocating equal opportunity for everybody globally. However, it also champions for accepting the diverse culture and rewarding different successful features of various capacities. These types of real diversity management in a company reduces the resistance of cultural, national and even mental variances. Nonetheless, it helps in a first way to a smooth process of the corporations by giving a competitive advantage for success and innovativeness.

Managerial relevance

The potential prospects gained by managers that develop unified global strategies are nearly too large to quantify, with financial economies of measure and scope, and massive high-tech and consumer-based compensations. Nevertheless, it is also authoritative that as well as aim for these benefits, and the accompanying global competitiveness profits, that MNC’s guarantee that they are not pursuing a solitary integrated strategy for the mistaken details. Managers must also maintain a consistence conduct of monitoring and analyzing the wants and demands of all investors and stakeholders, particularly the foremost ones, and recall that the most critical stakeholders in many regions, markets, cultures and productions may not be the clients, as is frequently believed (Dong, 2006). This job is far from formal, but for a manager with the mandatory knowledge, competences and education capacity, the benefits cannot be exaggerated, and the possibility to grow, expand and merge.

Managerial deliberations, desires, urgencies and egos must not override the necessity to remain profitable and satisfy shareholder and accomplish missions and expectations. This is stated quite evidently in the managerial philosophy of the company, established by van Raaij and Stoelhorst (2004) as an expressive substitute to the neoclassical model of an organization. Their study argues that the critical use of a managerial role in the firm is clearing up performance differences between firms, particularly in the area of promotion strategy, since its great importation to multinational corporations.

A strategic plan consents organization to predict their future and to prepare well. Through strategic forecasting, corporations can anticipate certain adverse situations before they occur and take compulsory insurances to avoid them. With a solid strategic plan, administrations can be practical rather than just reacting to circumstances as they happen. Being proactive lets organizations to keep up with the ever-shifting trends in the marketplace and continuously stay one step forward of the competition.

Management helps to describe the path in which an organization need to travel and assists in creating practical purposes and goals that are in line with the mission and vision plotted out for it. A good supervision team offers a much-needed basis from which a company can grow, estimate its success, reimburse its employees and create restrictions for competent decision-making. Through devoted management, organizations can get valued insights on market trends, customer segments, as well as service and product offerings which may impact their success. A style that is beleaguered and well managed to turn all marketing and sales efforts into the best conceivable outcomes can lead to increased market share and profitability (Stoelhorst & van Raaij, 2004)

Lastly, successful familiarity management efforts are captivated on ideal results that support key businesses to meet critical business aims. Before executing any management system, managers are encouraged to recognize important objectives based on numerous roles or identities. These characteristically include individual results, department divisions outcomes and business outcomes. This allows the businesses to place a laser emphasis on work processes, data management systems and knowledge detention measures that gear-up those outcomes (Luo, 2007).

Conclusion

The most excellent way to quantify accomplishment in the international corporate sector is through continuous examining by the mother corporation. With monitoring, the head company can measure expatriate success or failure and cross-cultural capability of expatriates. Wal-Mart should be able to implement steady monitoring actions in their processes and the performances of the workers and managers directed to China. Venture catastrophe is sometimes associated with lost prospects, abridged productivity, and poor relationships whereas expatriate achievement bring the accomplishment of the contrary.

Additionally, social aptitude is restrained if the manager assigned at an overseas location possesses a strong personal uniqueness. It has the familiarity of and complies with the views and values of the philosophy of the nation where he is allocated, demonstrates compassion to the effective procedures of the culture, communicates plainly in the language of the state of assignment. Nonetheless, managers need to shows a grade of culturally-sanctioned performance, cultivates active social relationships with the individuals and authorities of the republic, and negotiates the institutional constructions of that nation. Fundamentally, leaders must be able to adjust quickly to the Chinese philosophy, comply with its necessities while executing their household tasks, and gain the gratitude of the unique methods of undertaking business in the nation-state.

References

1. Mun, L. Y., & Yazdanifard, R. (2012). Walmart success in Mexico, Canada and China: global expansion, strategies, entry modes, threats and opportunities.
2. Mun, L. Y., & Yazdanifard, R. (2012). Walmart success in Mexico, Canada and China: global expansion, strategies, entry modes, threats and opportunities.
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American corporations currently hold leading positions in the world. This concerns both their size and their competitiveness and role in world markets and in the global economic system. The leadership foundation of the American companies in the global economy is a socioeconomic and institutional system formed as a result of many years of historical development based on liberal economic and democratic political principles. There are large and successful corporations in many developed countries, but nowhere else do they have such powerful and complex foundations for development and success, as in the United States.

A special role is played by the United States, which provides the legislative infrastructure for the operation of this complex system of interaction and pursues a very specific, often tough, policy aimed at preserving and developing an institutional environment favorable for social and economic development. At the same time, American corporations firmly rely on all types of the U.S. leadership in the world, and the basis of U.S. political and economic leadership is, in turn, the power of American corporations.

Walmart’s Company Structure

Walmart is an American company that operates the world’s largest wholesale and retail chain operating under the Walmart brand. It is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The main regions of activity are the USA and Mexico, with a significant presence in Canada, South America, Great Britain (Asda), South Africa, China and Japan. Walmart is the world’s largest retail chain with approximately 11500 stores in 27 countries. Among them both hypermarkets and supermarkets selling food and industrial goods. The chain’s strategy includes such terms as the maximum assortment and the minimum, tending to wholesale prices (Schwartz, 2020). Walmart’s main competitors in the U.S. retail market are Home Depot, Kroger, Sears Holdings Corporation, Costco, and Target. In addition, Walmart is a leader in the implementation of technologies related to the use of RFID tags in the trade.

Russia is a country where Walmart is not currently positioned, not anymore. Company representatives have repeatedly stressed the importance of the Russian market for the company. In September 2008, Walmart Stores registered a subsidiary legal entity in Russia called BM eastern europe holdings, LLK. This company joined the Association of Retail Companies, which is the main lobbyist for the interests of Russian retail chains. After opening an office in Russia, Walmart tried to create a joint venture with X5 Retail Group based on the “Karusel” hypermarket chain, but the deal did not materialize. At the same time, in 2008, the American retailer participated in a tender for the purchase of 89% of the St. Petersburg hypermarket chain “Lenta”, but the deal did not take place either. In 2010, Walmart stores negotiated the purchase of the “Kopeyka” chain. However, after the acquisition of “Kopeyka” by the Russian retailer X5 Retail Group for 51.5 billion rubles in early December 2010, Walmart decided to close the Russian representative office (Kiselyova, 2012). Nevertheless, the company remains interested in the Russian food market, but does not see partners for cooperation in the near future.

The Actual Struggles Of Opening Walmart Chain in Russia

As I mentioned earlier in my discussion posts, I am from Russia, so I know a lot about my country and the way businesses are done in Russia. International retailers operating in Russia today have numerous problems with corruption. Also there are many Western investors entering the Russian market who are disappointed after the acquisition of Russian companies, because of problems with the same corruption, as well as difficulties in financial and corporate governance. Walmart is renowned for its utter anti-corruption and extremely careful pre-sale appraisal of the acquired company. This is exactly the reason why Walmart’s entry into the Russian market is not easy and requires a lot of time and preparation. Another vitally important factor is political risk. It is definitely a very significant parameter for Walmart’s expansion. Moreover, Walmart already has a negative experience in this sense, when a few years ago the company suffered serious losses due to political instability in India (Berfield, 2013).But I think that in the case of Russia today, for Walmart, the main criterion for assessing the degree of risk will be economic and competitive factors. Relations between Russia and the United States over the past one and a half hundred years have been of key importance not only for Russia and the United States proper, but for the whole world. Nuclear weapons, control over huge hydrocarbon reserves and other factors give Russia enormous political weight in the world. Russia uses this weight to advance its interests, which often run counter to those of the United States. The President of the United States often says one thing and does another, which is why his words constantly contradict deeds, so it is difficult to comment on something here. Trump may say that it is necessary to improve relations with Russia, and the next day to sign another sanctions package.

Final Recommendation

Walmart is a leading global company, which is constantly improving and finding ways to open their chain in other countries. I believe that Russia would be a great market for Walmart. Unfortunately, there are few major obstacles Walmart is facing when it thinks about entering Russian market. Corruption is something that is associated with Russia, and sadly after all these years is still there. If you have money you can buy everything and everyone. When opening a business in Russia you will be forced to bribe most of the government representatives like the fire department in order to even open, even if you do everything perfectly, under the law and safety regulations. For an American company like Walmart corruption is illegal and can not be done under any circumstances. Therefore, I think it is almost impossible for Walmart to open their stores in Russia due to the current country’s culture and politics.