Leadership in Organizations: Walmart

Leadership In Organisations
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Component 1
Introduction
Leadership is not a static concept in the ever-changing business world; instead, it is complex and varies depending on the level of the organization. The hierarchy of leadership is critically examined in this report, emphasizing how leadership is conceptualized at the organizational level. Leaders are expected to demonstrate visionary abilities at this hierarchy level, guiding entire conglomerates and influencing broad corporate strategies. Their choices influence the organization's ethos, culture, and course throughout the entire organization. Their responsibilities extend beyond operational effectiveness, including broad goal-setting, conveying a unified vision, and ensuring alignment with external stakeholders (Yukl, 2013). This in-depth examination of organizational leadership examines the particular difficulties and demands that these top executives must meet, offering insights into the vital elements that support effective leadership in today's tumultuous business environment. Further, the focus of the analysis would highlight the leadership of Walmart, considering the hierarchy and how business leaders responded to the transforming business environment.
Walmart’s Overview – Leadership Analysis
Walmart's leadership framework is multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of managing a multinational corporation. The retail giant, which was started by Sam Walton in 1962, has come a long way and requires a hierarchical-functional organizational structure, also called a matrix structure, to function efficiently. Yukl (2013) states that an organization is led by a Chair, a Board Director, and the Chief Executive Officer at the organizational level. Thus, the conglomerate's direction in the global market is significantly impacted by its capacity to make wise decisions. This hierarchy ensures that the company's strategic vision is shared by its 2.3 million associates worldwide (Iskandar, 2021). The 12-member Board of Directors, which includes members of the founding Walton family and other notable people, is crucial in determining the general direction of the business (Walmart, 2023). Thus, those leaders’ decisions impact the collective level, affecting the company's overall performance in specific industries or regions.
However, Walmart's leadership has faced criticism, particularly regarding how it treats its employees. The company's strong focus on cost reduction to maintain its commitment to "Everyday Low Price" has sometimes taken precedence over its employees' well-being, resulting in discussions regarding inadequate wages and healthcare benefits. In essence, Walmart's leadership structure is woven from functional and hierarchical threads, with the CEO at its center.
Walmart's Organisational leadership
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(Yukl, 2013)

Position at Walmart

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Organization

Chair, Board Director, Chief Executive Officer

* Highest decision-making authority in the corporation.
* Influences the conglomerate's direction on the global stage (Yukl, 2013).
* D...