The Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really Works - and How It's Transforming the American Economy

Longtime Wal-Mart employee Larry English grew up in the small town of Harrison, Arkansas. He began working at Wal-Mart’s second store when he was 14. In a meeting with Fishman, English describes Wal-Mart #2’s appearance and explains his regard for the company in its early days. He worked under Don Whitaker, familiarly known as the Bear because of his gruff managerial style (24). English didn’t like the job at first, but wanted to prove himself to the Bear. He quickly learned “the key elements of the Wal-Mart culture” and eventually became manager of Wal-Mart #18 (24). He gained as much respect as the Bear throughout his tenure with the company.

Fishman shares that his conversations with English gave him a sense of the climate at Wal-Mart headquarters, which few people understand. The company is iconic, but even its customers and store employees know little about its operations. English told Fishman about the discipline required to work at Wal-Mart and the discipline valued in the company’s ethos. However, waves of criticism have revealed Wal-Mart’s unfair labor practices and the exploitation and mistreatment of its people. These claims contrast with Walton’s founding values.