BlogComm
COMM 3030 - Communication and Social Responsibility
Payam Ishani, Wal-Mart, Blog assignment 3
Posted posted by payam ishani @ 9:19 PM
We talked about corporate social responsibility and specifically Wal-Mart. According to Jon M. Huntsman in his book Winners Never Cheat: “Hardworking, loyal employees are as valuable as precious gems. They are critical to any leadership success. If CEO’s are the soul of the organization, employees are the heart” (Chapter 9, page 147). It seems that Wal-Mart executives are unaware of this important fact (or have chosen to be that way). They neither value nor respect their employees as we will see in following paragraphs.According to Jon M. Huntsman: “70 percent of the people who leave their jobs do so because they do not feel valued” (Winners Never Cheat, Page 128). It is nice to know that 70 percent of employees leave Wal-Mart within the first year (www.ufcw.org, 2007). This is not a coincident. Wal-Mart employees don’t feel valued because they don’t get paid as they deserve; they don’t have decent benefits and their hard work is not appreciated with promotions. In fact there are being used as slaves, forced to work extra hours without being paid.
Lack of respect to employees is another well known characteristic of Wal-Mart especially toward women and minorities. There are numerous examples of discriminations against such groups but the most obvious ones are against women for they have a lower salary when compared to men and are not promoted equally and fairly. The list is long but my time is short and my brain is tired so I will end here.
References:
Huntsman, M, Jon. (April 2005). Winners Never Cheat. Wharlton School Publishing.
Retrieved November 30, 2007 from United Food and Commercial Workers’ website:
www.ufcw.org
Is it coming down to this?
Posted posted by Chris Johnson @ 2:07 PM
I recently heard on the radio a story that took place a number of years ago where a young woman decided to abort her baby because she feared that when the baby is born that it would add the “turmoil” that this planet is in with regards to global warming and saving the planet. She claimed that if this baby that would have been born would have required fuel to keep it warm, food to feed it and clothing made from synthetic material to keep it from being exposed to the elements. As this baby was being killed in the womb the “mother” begged the abortionist to sterilize her so that she wouldn’t run the risk of having another baby.
As the woman was recovering the boyfriend gave her a card congratulating this woman of the choice she made in order to save the planet.
This story made me sick. I can’t believe that it is getting to the point that people are willing to sacrifice a life of another in order to save the planet. I wonder if this woman that did this really understands what she did and is being held accountable mentally for her action.
What makes this story even more sad to me is that these two individuals will never experience the joy that one feels when you hold the hand of that little one that looks into your eyes with unconditional love, trust and watch the development of this little boy/girl grow and learn and experience their first snow fall, watch and listen to birds fly on a warm April afternoon, watch fireworks at the ball park on the Fourth of July, or go for a drive and see the autumn leaves in the canyons in late September.
Is it really coming down to this? Are people going to start killing themselves off and sacrificing innocent lives in order to “save the planet?” Is this what social responsibility is going to be seen as years from now?
You be the judge and make your own decisions, I have already made mine.
Optimistic Pessimism
Posted posted by Antok the Destroyer @ 5:38 AM
I'm going to take the next few minutes to talk a bit about Global Warming.See also: The Environment
See also: Armageddon
See also: My anxiety
Gas prices are rising, and our budgets are getting lower.
Greenhouse gasses are becoming worse, but people are becoming more aware.
Sea levels are rising, and the standards of living are dropping
Species are going extinct, but Wal-Mart is going green.
The polar ice caps are getting smaller... so are our options.
In our money/power, corperate/government existence of "it's easier to appologize later than to ask permission now" we have reached the edge. The point right before the point of no return, the day before 'the day after tomorrow'. Thankfully, there is an ever growing popularity of acting environmentally friendly, and we are headed in the right direction. However I think it's time we stop 'acting' friendly, and become active, aggresive, strict environmental conservationists. We are fu**ing up this planet in a big, big way, and if we dont start taking more drastic measures against our already devastating mess, we are going to be in a littoral 'world of hurt'.
To leave you with a thought, imagine we take the same averages of today and dont continue improving our habits/standards subsequently each day. Here's what will happen, and potentially in our lifetime. (Trust me on the following grocery list, there is no exact order but I have all the research to back it up, just not enough space on here. For more info on this specifically, feel free to email me. christhompsonut@hotmail.com)
First:
The climate gets warmer and warmer.
the increacing glacial ice deficit bottoms out.
fresh water runoff dilutes the saline content of the oceans.
The Great Ocean Conveyor, needed to circulate the oceans, fails as a result.
Warm and cold waters become stagnate around the equator and poles preventing normal continental weather patterns.
These warm waters evaporate rapidly and start producing 'super-storms', pushing well beyond category 5.
At the same time, agriculture and global economy fail, prices bottom out.
Sand and dust storms Rage with the lack of vegetation
When all the ice has melted, coastlines are changed dramatically
killing millions and displacing millions more.
Famine, disease, oceanic flooding, superstorms, etc. wipe out 95-100% of the human race
stagnate cold polar waters maintain frigid temperatures
At higher lattitudes all over, land and sea, everything begins to freeze.
Lastly, starting at the poles, Earth slips barbarously into its next ice age for thousands and thousands of years.
Posted posted by Tait Larsen @ 2:24 PM
Wal-Mart what a company. It's whole being speaks the word capitalism at it's best. I listen to my fellow Americans speak on this issue almost everyday. I hear Wal-Mart at school, work, family dinners and i even hear this name in my sleep. Sometimes i don't understand the bad reactions that Wal-Mart brings to the table, i mean they produce jobs for the people that might not be able to make it in a capitalist world. They give the public their every day low price. Studying economics i have been told that people go into business to make a profit isn't this what Sam Walton had in mind when he opened his first store. In my mind because i haven't felt the negative effects of Wal-Mart i thought people just needed something to complain about to make their everyday life not so everyday. But on the other hand I've had the fortune of being born in a relatively big city were the effects are not so explosive. I recently had a talk with my dad about this subject. He was born in a small town in Idaho were work was scarce and farming was the way of life. He said that when big corporations would move in people became dependent on the jobs it provided. He told me that with the new jobs came a new breed of people. They brought low income housing to the area, crime went up and eventually the corporations left leaving people to fend for them selves. Almost like a host feeding off of sociaty. I guess what I'm trying to say is that i feel people talk to much about the subject when we could be doing more and being more informed. I have been a sleep for far to long and i now know that their is much more to business then just profit their dose need to be some sort of social responsibility. We need to start asking our selves what are we doing.Labels: Big Store
Posted posted by Becky Jo @ 10:54 PM
As we talked about Wal-Mart and how socially irresponsible it is, the way the discussion turned out almost made me upset. It seems as if thoughts of Wal-mart are polar opposites. But the more I think about it, there is one thing we can all agree upon and that is money. We all love saving money. If you don’t, you’re not human…or you are Bill Gates. So, then what I can conclude to is,Wal-Mart really does have it right.
The first objective that has remained since the very beginning is to always have low prices. That is great for everyone. Except for those who believe the employees are at the low end of this deal. I argue this because a few of my friends from high school work at a local neighborhood Wal-Mart, they have worked there for years and love it. They have been able to move up in management quickly and everyone is treated great. So I think the only reason why people don’t like working there are those who are under bad management, which is the same for any business. I don’t think it has anything to do with the corporation itself.
Just to put things into perspective, for my last job, I worked at Forever 21. This was the cruelest, stingy and simply the most irresponsible company I have known. But could you tell from its fun and bright atmosphere? Also, I now work at The Buckle at the gateway where it is a fantastic work environment, great company and great employees. But did you know the only way to apply for benefits are to work 40+ hours a week. Even then since you have to apply for it, it’s not certain whether you will have good benefits, just whatever you qualify for. If I didn’t love what I do so much, I’d consider Wal-Mart too just so I could go to the dentist.
Anyways, my whole point is, I honestly think Wal-Mart is heading in the right direction (bold statement I know). They haven’t got everything right, and just like all businesses they still trying and sometimes failing to be more innovative. But they are smart. Maybe instead of just giving them all this negative feedback and refusing to shop there, why don’t we as a society show what our needs and wants are from this business? They are making a ton of money; they could do a lot of great things with it. Instead of trying to shut it down, (which will not happen),
Let’s build it in the right direction…together.
Sam Walton
Posted posted by Anonymous @ 8:13 PM
Being a business major, in many of my classes we have talked about Wal-Mart’s affects on the economy and the business world in general. It has always been interesting to hear each professor’s viewpoint on how they feel about Wal-Mart. Whether or not you are for or against Wal-Mart, many have strong opinions and can debate their side until they are blue in the face. We all know my opinion on Wal-Mart!I’ve always been interested to know what Sam Walton (the founder) of Wal-Mart would have to say about his business today. Would he be proud that his company underpays their employees? Would he be impressed that the small business he started is now the largest retail store in America? What Sam Walton achieved is any entrepreneurs dream, but is that dream also to become a monopoly?
The ethics and business practices of a corporation show how that company acts on their part of social responsibility. A company as large as Wal-Mart has a huge social responsibility not only to the community but more importantly to their own. The employees of a company are the back bone of that corporation.
Just looking on the internet about Sam Walton an Article by Amanda Galiano (About.com) she says that in his biography Made in America; My Story, he gives his “ten commandments of business”.
1.Commit to your goals
2.Share your rewards
3.Energize your colleagues
4.Communicate all you know
5.Value your associates
6.Celebrate your success
7.Listen to everyone
8.Deliver more than you promise
9.Work smarter than others
10.Blaze your own path
Number 5 says to value your associates, so in my opinion I believe that Sam Walton’s goal wasn’t to underpay his employees but along the way to financial success, many of the important keys to the “ten commandments of business” got lost.
When it comes to what we all consider very important to us, we should stay true to our beliefs. Whatever it is, Wal-Mart, global warming, the war, abortion, animal rights etc. we all have a voice and should us it.
Jaime Zundel
Alternative Energy Sources
Posted posted by natalie @ 3:18 PM
I believe alternative energy sources need to be explored. Our addiction to oil, specifically foreign oil, has become a huge problem in the U.S. But until the government takes a stand and forces Americans to explore alternative energy options, our dependence on foreign oil will only become worse and cause more problems. The government needs to make Americans choose greener options by increasing taxes for gas guzzling SUV's and lowering taxes on energy efficient vehicles like hybrids. Until gas reaches five dollars a gallon, I doubt Americans will seriously consider investing in a hybrid or using public transportation. Money is the driving force in America, so it needs to be the impetus for companies and individuals to make more energy conscious choices. The government should give tax breaks to those companies that are using recycled materials and exploring alternative energy sources. Americans will not change their ways unless they are forced and the most persuasive thing in America is money. Using energy from the sun and wind is the most effective way of reducing our dependence on non-renewable natural resources, but we have not utilized these technologies. The government needs to realize this is a real problem that needs real solutions. Politicians stand up on their soapbox and preach energy conservation in order to get votes from Americans, but once they are elected, the environment gets put on the back burner. It is sad that the one thing we all depend on is the last thing we are trying to preserve.Polarizing Issues
Posted posted by Kyle @ 2:43 PM
The issues we have recently discussed in class- hurricane Katrina, global warming, and Wal-Mart- have become very controversial subjects with a profound ability to polarize people to opposite extremes. I remember a class discussion at the beginning of the semester where we talked of the negative effects of polarization in our society. A blatantly obvious example is our elected officials in government. Our system has been reduced to Republican vs. Democrat, right vs. left, and conservative vs. liberal with opponents at each other’s throat. It seems as though the only thing ever agreed on is vehement distaste for the “other side” and their respective views. Not surprisingly, the result is almost always that nothing is accomplished.
I think it fair to say that in our class discussion we agreed on a stance in firm opposition to this destructive narrow-mindedness. Instead we suggested that open communication involving not only speaking but listening is the key to finding the best solution. If we hope to stand against the problems that face our society we must stand together, and the only way to stand together is to really communicate with one another.
In light of all this, I found it interesting that just the other day in another class discussion, this time about Wal-Mart, many of these ideals we professed to be so important were tossed aside. In place of true communication we allowed flared tempers, name calling, and (in some cases) a fierce competition to be heard, rather than an attempt to listen. Overall, the effect was complete polarization. Let me make it clear that I am in no way stating that disagreement on a given issue, or differences of opinion, are somehow bad. What I am saying is that lack of communication, in order to resolve our differences, is bad. If we hope to correct the communicative flaws that plague our society, from the top government offices to simple everyday conversation, so we can find the best solutions to future problems we must start with ourselves.
Imagine yourself in their shoes.
Posted posted by tayler @ 2:04 PM
I have lived in Utah my entire life and have been fortunate enough to never experience a natural disaster. I wasn’t even in town for that tornado that hit in 1999 because I was in Arizona. Trying to put myself in the shoes of someone who experienced Hurricane Katrina is very hard for me because I cannot imagine losing everything, but it’s something I think about almost every day. What if I left my room and when I came back, everything I ever had was gone forever? Not only did people lose their possessions and their homes, but many also lost loved ones. Possessions and homes can be replaced, but loved ones cannot. They were in no way prepared for that, but what makes it even worse was that the government wasn’t prepared either. They were unorganized and they were slow. I don’t know about anyone else, but when that supposed massive earthquake hits Utah, I want to know that I’ll be taken care of and not left hanging. It makes you wonder who really has your back.global warming
Posted posted by Megan @ 1:13 PM
To me Global warming is something that is extremely important and should not be ignored. I think the biggest problem I have with this are people not caring enough about the issue. I do understand that ice caps completely melting wont happen for maybe hundreds of years, but that still doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do anything about it. It may not affect us at the present moment but it will affect everyone that will come after us. Is it right to let them suffer because we simply didn’t care? I think everyone should have some knowledge on the effects of global warming. What we know so far is that increasing global temperatures will cause sea level to rise, and increase the intensity of extreme weather, which changes the pattern of precipitation, which is bad because we all know that effects of bad weather on our country. Other effects of global warming include changes in agricultural yields, glacier retreat, that one scares me the most, and even extinction of species. Those all should be red flags to everyone. There is so much uncertainty about global warming that we should be doing as much research as we can. There are a lot of remaining scientific uncertainties, which includes the amount of warming excepted in the future, and how warming and related changes will vary from region to region, around the globe. After thinking a lot about this issue, I find it really funny that lately any major crisis in our country or world that comes up turns into a political debate, or argument, faster then solutions and answers come about. I have a big problem with that. We are too focused on who is right or wrong then working together to find and answer. Like I said before there is a ongoing political and public debate about this issue that I fear will never go away until it’s to late. I think that we should be thinking about action at this point, what we can be doing to reduce or reverse the continuing of warming.Too Hot to Not-The Unavoidable Issue of Global Warming
Posted posted by HeidiH @ 1:07 PM
Thankfully politicians and voters are making noise. Global warming is a hot topic of discussion among political leaders and candidates. See for example Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg. According to TIME magazine these two politicians are side stepping the glacier pace of Washington and taking Global Warming matters into their own hands. Bloomberg's PlaNYC calls for a 30% cut in greenhouse gases by 2030. And Schwarzenegger signed the U.S.'s first cap on greenhouse gases, including unprecedented fuel-efficiency standards for California cars. (TIME) Regardless of politics, it's clear these two trail-blazing politicians are on the right track. The public needs to keep making noise so the efforts of proactive leaders like these can continue. Don't give Washington the chance to be lazy!
"Eventually, the Federal government is going to get on board. If not, we're going to sue."
Posted posted by tvoss @ 1:03 PM
I was reading the blog that was posted by Piper Kennedy that compared the fires that are happening right now in
This question that Piper asked caught my attention because just the other day I discussed this same topic with my older brother who currently lives in
I can too!
Posted posted by L_Cacioppo @ 12:41 PM
Hurricane Katrina and global warming are topics that have been brought to my attention, but never to my heart. Personally, I have never specifically cared about those things that don’t directly involve me. I have never been negative toward helping people, but I didn’t make it a priority to care about issues so far from home. This class has forced me to make an opinion, take a stand, and do my part.Katrina is over, and what’s done is done; but to me, it gives an incentive to be more supportive and willing to help when the next disaster finds its way here. Even though our conversation was based on the help provided by the government, it found a way to compel me to do what I can to help.
Global warming is not over, and I can help. As mentioned before, a few simple alterations to my lifestyle can make an impact. Before our discussion, I would turn off the lights simply to save my power bill. Now, I still turn them off but for reasons that aren’t so selfish. I do my best to change what I can, because the wellbeing of the planet means more to me than my money. (But, I get to save that, too!)
The Disaster: Hurricane Katrina
Posted posted by Anonymous @ 11:41 AM
The citizens that were affected by hurricane Katrina are still trying to deal with the consequences. When there are tragedies that destroy so much of what a person knows to be safe, we want to find answers and hold something or someone accountable. The residents of New Orleans trusted their governmental system, other people in the community, their homes, and families, and in the end other communities in the United States, but in this case who is to be held accountable for this tragedy. In times of need people reach out for direct help, and if there isn't support for those in need then people begin to lose trust in one another. When the hurricane was over and only destruction was seen I believe this is what happened; people lost trust in one another. The residents of New Orleans probably felt helpless when they realized that help was not coming soon. They lost trust in one another when they realized that most of the people that were evacuated were on the wealthy side of town. Who were they supposed to trust in such a chaotic situation. I believe because the New Orleans community as a whole lost faith in one another that is why there were so many thefts, rapes and miscommunication, they faltered as a community. Even if the government who they trusted in keeping their well being in check failed them, they could have worked together more before hand to raise awareness of the weak levies, and after the hurricane to find resources for themselves. Hurricane raised many issues that the "average American" did not realized still existed. We all felt uncomfortable when race, class, and economic issues came to light. I think in a way we all knew this all existed, but we did not believe it was this bad. We especially felt uncomfortable when we found out that the government knew about the weak levies, and how long it took the president to mobilize the resources after the Hurricane, apparently he did not believe it was that bad either.being green saves green
Posted posted by allegri @ 10:11 AM
As we have been talking about green solutions for the ever changing/ever worsening battle against emissions and damage to the ozone, (etc, etc, etc...) I have been looking into the ways that becoming a "greener" person. These ways are not only good for the environment, but they save you green in your wallet. There is this great website called StopGlobalWarming.org that is filled with hundreds of ways that you can reduce your use.Now there are some simple easy ways that we can cut down on our personal emissions, many of these being; turning off the t.v., Switching your lightbulbs to the lower wattage energy saving CFL bulbs, turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth, avoid using disposable cups by purchasing thermoses and mugs. By purchasing local and organic produce you can cut down on the emission that are used to transport goods from location to location. By hanging your clothes out to dry instead of using the drier, yes I know you all love the sent of tide's dryer sheets, but this great nature smell you wont be able to get much longer if you keep using the dryer all of the time. By unplugging items that are not in use, you can cut down on the emissions (and the power costs) that they release. This one should be a no brainer here at the U - Recycle! When you can't reuse something, recycle it so it can be made into something that someone else can use ;)
Many states offer tax cuts and other incentives to by hybrid and electric cars, here in the state of Utah, when you by a hybrid car you automatically get free parking at all downtown SLC meters and a free carpool lane sticker. Although going hybrid at first is quite spendy, the advantages of the nearly 50 mpg tank will save some cash in your pocket in the long run.
Together we can do our part to cut down on the CO2 emissions and lessen the effects of global warming. Not only do we do the world some good, but we can also save some money in our pocket, hopefully it won't burn a way through into buy non green or emission friendly goods ;)
Posted posted by piper kennedy @ 10:11 AM
Last week there were reports of the fires that have left thousands of people inCorporate Responsibility and Global Warming
Posted posted by Cory Jones @ 10:07 AM
I would like to take this same concept and apply it to the issue of global warming; particularly focusing on the auto industry. I argue that although we as consumers bear some of the responsibility, the greatest portion of social responsibility rests on the auto producer. There is no doubt that cars are the biggest problem for the production of carbon dioxide. So why have automakers not taken more proactive steps towards reducing fuel consumption? Would they ever make these steps without a federal initiative? They would likely not. Due to this, some people could argue that change will only come about if we the consumers take initiative to boycott the producers that are not going green; thus consumers have the greatest responsibility.
Although this statement makes sense, I think that we should not bear the greatest amount of responsibility. The greatest responsibility should rest upon the automaker. The
Global Warming
Posted posted by anne reni @ 9:39 AM
A few months ago I remember hearing a debate on NPR about green house gas emissions. The two commentators argued as to which bleak outlook ultimately would be our fate. “The problem is hopeless.” I thought to myself.
I was wrong. In truth, it only becomes hopeless when we give up hope. I believe that the only way to change this problem of “global warming” is to empower people to change it. This can be accomplished by first making them more aware of the consequences of their actions, and then presenting alternative choices.
It is important to understand that both actions and inaction affect the environment. When we passively choose not to recycle, there are some positive short-term consequences, but also definite negative long-term consequences. Consumers should be given constant reminders of their effect on the environment.
“Green” alternatives to many of our most comfortable habits are available and should be widely publicized. Everyone can make some changes, such as using a bike or walking to closer destinations, taking the bus at least once a week, recycling, and buying locally produced goods whenever possible.
Global warming is not a hopeless cause. It is our turn to take responsibility.
Blog #2 HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?
Posted posted by Mike Rogers @ 9:28 AM
I would like to start out my blog with a quick question. On A scale of 1-10 how bad do you hate Wal-Mart? Write down your answer in front of you and see where you fall on the scale. (1-3) You are a social responsible person, with a soft heart for the Wal-Mart associates that are underpaid and unappreciated. You understand that Wal-Mart is in the business to make money, but don't appreciate the way they go about it. (4-7) You have very little in your life that worries you. You don't have children, a mortgage, a sick parent etc, therefor leaving you plenty of time, and energy to hate Wal-Mart. Or you were recently fired from Wal-mart. (8-10) Your family farm was recently bulldozed by the construction crew that is building a new Wal-Mart super center, leaving your family and your prize cow Bessy with no place to live. Or you were abducted by aliens and forced to shop at Wal-Mart, and pay Albertsons' prices.The point that I am trying to make is that, there are a lot more important things to worry about. I have enough things on my mind when I am lying in bed at night, with out worrying about the checker that rang me out at the store earlier today, and if she was getting payed enough. Does this mentality make me insensitive, or not socially responsible? I am a firm believer in the saying "you get what you deserve." If you are an associate of Wal-Mart and you don't like your current situation, change it. As for Wal-Mart itself if they treat their employees like garbage, it will eventually come back to bite them. One of the best business strategies is to hire and retain the best employees possible. If Wal-Mart has mean, sad, disgruntled, employees many consumers would rather start paying higher prices for a more positive shopping experience. In my opinion Wal-Mart needs to make drastic changes in the way they operate. If a few changes were made to give them the appearance that they were trying to be more socially responsible their business would increase substantially. The recent announcement that they are going green is a good start, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
Until this transformation is complete I will continue to shop at Wal-Mart. You might call me a bad person and say I don't care, but with the amount of money I save from shopping at Wal-Mart compared to somewhere else, it is worth it. Let me put the savings in perspective I usually save about $60 every time my family goes shopping, that is the equivalent of three cases of Bud Light. Saving Money makes me happy, it is like Wal-Mart gives me free beer to shop there. Thank you Wal-Mart.