Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

Abstract

When Sam Walton stared Wal-mart in 1950 there was just one store in the Bentonville, Arkansas, Sam established this store and the stores to follow with three basic beliefs respect for the individual, service to their customers, and strive for excellence. These beliefs are still firmly followed to this day, while the company of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc stays committed to these three basic ethical guidelines. The three basic beliefs go hand in hand with all the integrity and ethical conduct that is the foundation of the Wal-Mart Corporation. Sam Walton's mission statement for is company and the customers is simple "We save people money so they can live better." (Murphy 2011) Sam believed that if everyone worked together to lower prices and makes products affordable, they could help the people of the world save money and live a better life while not doing without certain items in their home and life. Wal-Mart chose the slogan for the company and advertisement that still stands today, "Always low prices. Always" (Murphy 2011)

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

The ethical system, end driven is used by Wal-Mart Store, Inc. This ethical system states that the practice is the one that looks at a certain objectives and or the results. There are many different forms of this theory, which could expand on the end driven ethical system. Some of the theories are; Aristotle's ethical theory, which states that, happiness, is the end of human practices. There is also Kantian ethics saying that, the action that is perceived to be right, it is of itself with no appeal to ends, this can also be written as, and the end's kingdom that most individuals try to achieve is full of happiness. This end driven system is used because it looks at what moral systems are needed as well as the norms that are needed to meet the expected goals. Wal-Mart has accepted that, they are a store that is sovereign retail store; this company does whatever it wishes to do, as long as no one gets hurt in the process. Wal-Mart as a company has stated that by doing no harm to any one, and at the same time not putting a norm on its business practices, they should be able to do whatever they want and that their company will survive no matter what decisions are made. The only decision that the company believes to have is to discover what it has to do to ensure that it gets to that predetermined end, by choosing the right values and objectives.

The management codes of ethics apply to all employees that have to do with or are involved with the purchasing processes within all Wal-Mart stores. All Wal-Mart employees become affected by these codes of ethics once they become a member of the Wal-Mart family, these men and women need to be honest and ethical when doing their jobs. They are required to maintain the high standers put into place by Sam Walton and the Wal-Mart Store, Inc. they need to insure the confidentiality of some privileged information that they may learn while doing their daily duties, and performing the job responsibilities. All employees need to avoid situations that could lead to a conflict of interest; they also need to watch out for circumstances that could either be apparent or actual conflict with the interests of the company's individual and or professional relationships. While also following all governmental regulations and rules, this is applicable when undertaking obligations that are in accord with applicable laws, regulations, and rules. During supplier selection, they ought to follow the right procedure and be much fair. This will enhance confidentiality in the cooperation, (Philips, 2011).

The management code of ethics states that managers are required to follow the present practices and standards as established by the CAI topic to all governments and rules that are in effect where actions of managers apply. All Wal-Mart managers are to rules and regulation are to help improve the managers professionalism and competence within the Wal-Mart stores and affiliates.

The board of director's code of ethics; these functions as a code of conduct for the members of the board, the violation of any of these codes of conduct by a member of the board of director's may lead to consequences provided by the review board. While conducting business, a board member will conduct themselves in good faith, honesty, and competence that is reasonable, due diligence, and as well as integrity, when any of the board members are exercising judgment, they are suppose to exercise it with proper authority, when judging association staff, cooperation suppliers, and the public. This enhances respect and professionalism within the work place. When identifying