Walmart Case Study interactive

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prepare for Walmart to operate in a foreign market. You will need to do the following:

Analyze at least two leadership models and/or styles to determine which one will be more suitable for leading employees and for responding to stakeholders in a country outside of North America.
Determine the leadership competencies that would be beneficial to you as a leader in the selected foreign market. You will choose Peru, New Zealand, Philippines, Egypt, Czech Republic, or the United Arab Emirates for your analysis.
Compare and contrast concepts of cultural leadership according to how they can be applied in the country that you have selected.
Determine the leadership skills and practices that should be used to foster team and organizational success.
In the second half of the assignment, you will conduct an analysis of the country where you have decided to expand operations. The analysis must include:

The rationale for country selection based on demographic and economic data.
The analysis should inform leadership about the country’s culture based upon GLOBE’s nine dimensions of culture as argued in Lumen (n.d.).
Incorporate each of the nine dimensions of culture in an analysis that will be hypothetically presented to Walmart leadership. When using the nine dimensions, current information about the culture of the selected country must be used.
The purpose of this preliminary analysis is to make sure that the leadership team understands the complexities of expanding into the country that you have selected.

In your paper,

Analyze the demographic and economic data of a country where Walmart is currently not operating.
The Business Insights (Gale)Links to an external site. database from the UAGC Library will assist in finding Company Profiles and Country Profiles.
Conduct an analysis for Walmart leadership about the country’s culture based on the GLOBE’s nine dimensions of culture.
Explain how Walmart’s leadership skills and practices may lead to organizational success.
Formulate a model of cultural and ethical leadership as it applies to Walmart at a global level.

Sample Solution

Preparing Walmart for Global Expansion: The Case of the Philippines

Part 1: Leadership Considerations

Leadership Styles:

  1. Servant Leadership: This collaborative and empathetic style prioritizes the needs and well-being of employees. It fosters trust and loyalty, which can be crucial in building a strong team in a new cultural environment.
  2. Participative Leadership: This approach involves employees in decision-making, encouraging their input and ideas. This can be beneficial in navigating unfamiliar cultural norms and regulations in a foreign market like the Philippines.

Leadership Competencies for the Philippines:

  • Cultural Intelligence: Understanding and adapting to Filipino cultural values like respect for hierarchy (high Power Distance) and collectivism (high In-Group Collectivism) will be essential.
  • Communication Skills: Effective communication that considers indirect communication styles (low Assertiveness) prevalent in Filipino culture is key.
  • Relationship Building: Fostering strong relationships with employees and stakeholders (high Relationship Orientation) is vital in the Philippines.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Being adaptable to new regulations and cultural norms (low Performance Orientation) will be crucial.

Cultural Leadership in the Philippines:

  • GLOBE’s Nine Dimensions: We’ll analyze how these dimensions influence leadership in the Philippines:
    • Power Distance: Respect for hierarchy requires a leadership style that balances authority with approachability.
    • Uncertainty Avoidance: Filipinos value stability and clear rules. Leaders should provide clear communication and expectations.
    • In-Group Collectivism: Building a strong team spirit and prioritizing group success is essential.
    • Institutional Collectivism: Understanding the legal and social frameworks (high) in the Philippines is important.
    • Gender Egalitarianism: Being sensitive to gender roles (low) is crucial.
    • Future Orientation: While Filipinos value tradition, some openness to new ideas (moderately low) can be beneficial.
    • Performance Orientation: While results are valued, fostering a positive work environment is also important.
    • Human Orientation: Filipinos value compassion and care for others (high).
    • Assertiveness: Leaders should be direct but respectful, considering the more indirect communication style (low).

Team and Organizational Success:

  • Team Building: Focus on building trust and fostering a sense of community within the team.
  • Empowerment: Empower employees to take ownership and contribute their ideas.
  • Communication: Ensure clear and culturally sensitive communication across all levels.
  • Training and Development: Provide training on cultural sensitivity and relevant business practices.

Part 2: Expanding to the Philippines

Rationale for Selection:

  • Demographics: The Philippines has a young and growing population (over 110 million), offering a large potential customer base.
  • Economy: The Philippines boasts a growing middle class and a relatively stable economy.

Cultural Analysis using GLOBE’s Nine Dimensions:

  • Power Distance (High): Implement a leadership style that respects hierarchy while remaining approachable.
  • Uncertainty Avoidance (High): Provide clear guidelines and procedures for employees.
  • In-Group Collectivism (High): Foster teamwork and a sense of belonging within the organization.
  • Institutional Collectivism (High): Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
  • Gender Egalitarianism (Low): Be sensitive to gender roles, promoting an inclusive environment.
  • Future Orientation (Moderately Low): Balance respect for tradition with an openness to adapt and innovate.
  • Performance Orientation (Moderate): Focus on achieving results while maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Human Orientation (High): Promote a culture that values compassion and employee well-being.
  • Assertiveness (Low): Practice direct but respectful communication, considering Filipino communication styles.

Walmart’s Leadership and Success:

Walmart’s existing leadership practices in areas like cost-efficiency and operational excellence can be successful in the Philippines. However, adapting leadership styles to be more collaborative and culturally sensitive will be crucial for building trust and loyalty with employees and stakeholders.

Model of Cultural and Ethical Leadership:

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Leaders actively learn and adapt to the cultural context of the Philippines.
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Uphold high ethical standards while considering local regulations and cultural norms.
  • Transparency and Communication: Ensure clear and open communication with all stakeholders.
  • Respect for Stakeholders: Value and respect the interests of employees, customers, and communities.

By implementing this model, Walmart can navigate the complexities of the Philippines market and achieve sustainable success.

 

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