For this assignment, the writer commences by exploring “Resource Dependency Theory” as the understanding of this hypothesis is vital. Next, an overview will be undertaken in terms of the selected organisation -that is, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. After, the paper will present a brief description of the relationship between Walmart and its suppliers. It then goes on to highlight the managerial bridging strategies that the company uses in dealing with the organisations it depends on for resources. These strategies are: negotiation, contracts, interlocking directorates, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions.
About Resource Dependency Theory
Hillman (2009) indicated that “Resource Dependence Theory” refers to a business entity as an open mechanism that is reliant on contingencies in the external environment (p.2). That is, the theory views a business in relation to its resource dependences with other businesses in the environment (Salazar, 2012). Pfeffer and Salancik (as cited in Sheppard, 1995, p.28), stated that the essence of a company’s survival concerns its ability to get and maintain resources. The hypothesis helps explain why businesses should enter into exchanges with related parties and the manner in which the entity can maintain its survival. Pfeffer and Salancik (as cited in Sheppard, 1995, p. 28 - 29) conveyed that this survival occurs via demand management, namely the demands of interest associates upon which the entities rely on for resources
A sociological perspective is a framework for thinking about, describing, or explaining how human activities are organized and how people relate to one another and respond to their surroundings.
Question 1: What were the rights of Walmart, the employer, during these two organizing drives?
As the world’s largest retail store in the world, Walmart wants to be in every market that they can be prosperous in. They know they rule the United States market, so why not try to expand overseas and dominate those markets as well. Now that they have reached limits on expansion here in the U.S., the next step was to test the water in other nations. As they began to go international, there were many critics saying they will never make it because their business practices and culture wouldn’t work in other countries. Yet the company’s globalization efforts progressed at a rapid pace. Its more than 4,263 international retail units employ more than 660,000
Is Wal-mart the ideal store to shop it? Austrian economic and business professional Karen De Coster and banker Brad Edmonds believe that Wal-mart improves the lives of people in rural areas because it gives them access to a lifestyle that they would not have if Wal-mart did not exist.
A resource based view can help determine, and maintain a competitive advantage for Wal-Mart. In order to gain a clear understanding of their advantage, or lack thereof, it is vital that Wal-Mart determine what resources they have available to them. Once these resources are identified they must capitalize on them, and ensure that they provide them with a sustained advantage, and not a temporary advantage. For instance, Wal-Mart might find that there is a manufacturer that is not being used to their full potential, and is able to provide them with fast production and quick delivery of items for a great price. It would be beneficial for Wal-Mart to take advantage of this opportunity, as well as build a long lasting relationship with this manufacturer that will carry them both into the future.
Furthermore, another element apparent in the low-cost strategy of Wal-Mart is the cost conscious corporate culture. The company was started by a man named Sam Walton who developed the company to have “every day low prices”. He is also known for saying “if we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone”. Every since Sam Walton started this company, the entire company has strived to be a low-cost leader. Various leaders of Wal-Mart have never sought to change the philosophy the company was built on, but continued to build upon it. It is the focus that underlies everything they do. It is also an approach that has garnered success. Low-cost strategies are unable to work on products that are uncommon and that few people purchase, but because Wal-Mart
The five generic competitive strategies are low-cost provider, broad differentiation, focused low-cost, focused differentiation strategy, and best-cost provider strategy. According to the textbook, “a company’s competitive strategy deals exclusively with the specifics of management’s game plan for competing successfully” (Gamble, 93).
Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962 in Bentonville, Arkansas, United States, is a well-known multinational retail company which manages a chain of department stores and warehouse stores. It has over 11,000 stores in 28 countries and is the largest company in the world in terms of revenue.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) were introduced in 1980 with the purpose of saving energy. They initially were very expensive and consumers were aware of many flaws that made them hesitant to purchase the bulbs and bring them into their homes. The positive effects of switching from alternative bulbs to CFLs were overshadowed by media attention highlighting the issues that remained unresolved. Wal-Mart pushed promotional programs in 2007 that were very successful. They introduced a private label at a lower price, offered online ordering, posititioned the products well, installed interactive displays and engaged with new partners to promote energy efficiency. In 2009 the CFLs were redesigned and
To be the world 's largest low cost store that carries all types of merchandise for all possible consumers.
There are so many organizational behavior concepts to take into consideration for the success or failure of any organization, business or company. The way these concepts are handled by management and employees will either keep the business open or these same concepts could end up in closure of this same business or organization. Management and employees are the people who will make the "win or lose" situation occur. Communication, motivation, and power and politics are some of the concepts that will cause a business to succeed or fail. Businesses must be competitive to stay alive, or these same businesses will
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. helps individuals around the globe spare cash and live better - at whatever time and anyplace - in retail locations, online and through their cell phones. Every week, more than 245 million clients and individuals visit our almost 11,000 stores under 65 flags in 28 nations and e-trade sites in 11 nations. With financial year 2015 net offers of $482.2 billion, Wal-Mart utilizes 2.2 million partners around the world. (Wal-Mart Corporate) Wal-Mart is a superpower in the business world and has been that way for 50+ years. Understanding how it got to this point and how it has maintained its successful business model starts with its
Both the Contingency and the Resource Dependence Paradigms play a vital role in business. Though they have similarities, the also have differences. The following essay will describe these components.
Wal-Mart is a company which operates in the service sector, more specifically in the “Discount, Variety Stores/Retail” industry. The company’s superior performance is demonstrated through the fact that it was America’s largest company (in terms of revenue) in 2002, and the reputation of the company is reflected in the opinion of “Fortune” who have identified Wal-Mart as one of the world’s most admired companies. In 2004 Wal-Mart had been hiring 1.4 million employees – making it the largest corporation in the world. Wal-Mart’s share prices have also been stable at time of stock market volatility. There are
1. What is the ethical dilemma facing Wal-Mart in this case ? Do Wal-Mart’s associates also face an ethical dilemma? If so, what is it ?