BE Unit VII Assessment 1 of 2: Wal-Mart's Social Image

Wal-Mart`s Social Image
(Name)
(University)
(Course)
(Tutor)
(Date)
A positive social reputation is critical in the long term business performance and profitability of a business organization. Firms with elaborate corporate social responsibility programs that ensure socially beneficial charitable works within the surrounding communities are able to significantly enhance their social standing CITATION Har08 \l 1033 (Hartman, 2008). This paper establishes whether Wal-Mart has a negative or positive social reputation and the impact its activities have on the surrounding communities.
By and large, social reputation of the Wal-Mart company can be said to be relatively positive. Compared to the dark image the company had in the years leading up to 2006 due to its aggressive business strategies, the social reputation of the Wal-Mart company has improved considerably. Through measureable and concrete initiatives, the firm has been able to successfully take on large social problems, thereby significantly improving its social standing in the community. For instance, the firm has invested heavily on sustainability and women empowerment besides hiring veterans and donating to feeding programs; initiatives that have helped create social good within the communities it operates in. Admittedly, Wal-Mart`s activities have impacted positively on the economic wellbeing of the society. Driven by the desire to enhance social good, the firm has created numerous retail stores which effectively offer employment to people from the neighboring communities. Additionally, its sustainable business practices have helped reduce operating costs, thereby enabling the firm to provide its products at lower prices. Besides contributing to social good, these initiatives have also strengthened the business of the firm CITATION Joe13 \l 1033 (Brussel, 2013...