Central America is primary small nations and territories that speak mainly Spanish, but also a few other languages. There are actually more countries and territories in this region than in North and South America combined even though the amount of land is far smaller. According to lesson 9, simple country borders can often lead to cultural differences, and there is a great degree of diversity in Central America. (Redmond)
We know Walmart as an American multinational retail corporation. The first Walmart store opened in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. (No author, Walmart.com) Walmart has imposed courses and programs (Best Practice Study) to overcome barriers of global diversity and conflict to become an international success. It entered the Central American region in 2005 which became Walmart Centro America in 2006. In 2009, Walmart Mexico acquired Walmart’s operations in Central America from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and two minority partners. In 2010, Walmart Mexico became Walmart de Mexico y Centro America. (No Author, Walmart.com)
In order to interact with people in a certain region a leader must build knowledge on that particular culture. Walmart created, “The Best Practice Study” program which focused on building hard to find information on (1) History and Culture; (2) Demographics; (3)Legislation; and (4)Best Practices. The study would also need specific diversity, cultural and legal information about each country. This kind of information was not immediately available. (No author, diversitycentral.com) They would have to build a customized information base if they were to increase their knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion in the countries the company did business.
Walmart in Central America and Mexico has built an accelerated development program that focuses on discovering the personal and professional potential of the participants. Walmart planned and designed this course of action to stimulate thinking and reflection on its impact when developing balanced teams within Walmart. This was designed to focus on the businesses best practices, case studies proving the direct link between Bias reduction and a sustainable, profitable business. (No author, globaldiversitypractice.co.uk)
Walmart’s strength is leadership and executive population to leverage the benefits of diversity and inclusion and be role models. According to walmart.com, the Global Diversity Practice were commissioned to deliver diversity and inclusion interventions ranging from Gender Equity, inclusive leadership and unconscious bias. Walmart Centro America is committed to maintaining a diverse work environment in which all associates are respected and appreciated. Lastly, a big concern for Walmart in Central America is to allow woman to work and get their hands on some earnings. Women’s growing participation in the workforce had a major role in poverty reduction in the region. Without their work, extreme poverty in the region in 2010 would have been 30% higher. (No Author, Worldbank.org)
Walmart has had success internationally as they have provided leaders as role models, decrease bias, increase gender bilingualism and become more inclusive leaders. Walmart has adapted the course to be relevant to the local perspective which has provided added credibility and relevance to close the gap of differences between groups and better understand international culture.
References:
Redmond, Brian (2014) Lesson 9, pg. 2. Central America and Mexico. The Pennsylvania State University World Campus
No Author, (2014) Walmart Best Practices Retrieved: October 24, 2014. http://diversitycentral.com/blog/developing-a-truly-global-diversity-inclusion-strategy-a-walmart-best-practice
No Author, (2014) Global Diversity: October 24, 2014. http://www.globaldiversitypractice.co.uk/portfolio/walmart/
No Author, (2014) Gains in Latin America: October 24, 2014. http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2012/08/29/women-play-key-role-in-economic-gains-in-latin-american-and-caribbean
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