Wal-Mart made headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. The New York Times exposed the international retail giant’s history of bribing Mexican government officials in order to dominate that market. Top executives systematically swept the company’s misdeeds under the rug despite stern advice from its general counsel and internal investigator. And new evidence shows that Wal-Mart lobbied to dilute the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits payment of anything of value to foreign officials to obtain or retain business. Wal-Mart’s actions violated Mexican anti-bribery laws, the FCPA, and the U.K. Bribery Act (by virtue of certain corporate holdings).
What Every Executive Should Learn from Wal-Mart’s Mistakes
Wal-Mart made headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. The New York Times exposed the international retail giant’s history of bribing Mexican government officials in order to dominate that market. Top executives systematically swept the company’s misdeeds under the rug despite stern advice from its general counsel and internal investigator. And new evidence shows that […]
May 31, 2012
New!
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.