Ethics Anyone?

I recently read an article about Wal-Mart's careful investigation and universal enforcement of its rules of conduct. Some were calling it heavy handed and invasive that a company should have something to say about the ethics and moral behaviour of its management and staff, however I believe that is one of many reasons the company is so great.

Okay, not everyone is a big-box store fan. Some, mostly union types, like to malign Wal-Mart and other efficient operations because of the low pay... Hello? Entry level positions do not pay well ANYWHERE! At least at Wal-Mart, if you are capable, willing to work and apply, you can move from cashier to manager and beyond.

But I wander from the original thought... Morality and ethics.

Wal-Mart investigated, then fired two top execs for having an affair on company time and accepting bribes from advertisers while doing it.... and the flak fell.... and the lawsuits were filed (by the canned execs, of course!) but the company has a top security team who did their job well and all the needed evidence was at hand.

Ethical standards are meaningless unless enforced across the board. We have all seen the chaos and loss brought on when position grants absolution. Think Enron and others... Clearly, sound management of the corporation or the family calls for consistent enforcement of ethical and moral policies. I say hooray for Wal-Mart!