Political Lens

In 2007 Wal-Mart has made a decision to begin measuring the amount of energy used to manufacture and distribute some of its products. These Merchandises include seven major categories, which include: milk, beer, soda, DVDs, toothpaste, soap, and vacuum cleaners. This choice resulted in a partnership with a non-profit group that is supported by institutional shareholders that focuses on climate change and carbon emissions, called Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The purpose is to look for new ways for the suppliers to cut energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as stated by the executive vice-president and chief merchandising officer at Wal-Mart; John Fleming. The political lens seeks to define the elements of power and influence within the company's hierarchy. It is seen as an arena for competition and conflict among individuals, groups, and other organizations whose interests and goals differ and even clash dramatically. In the political perspective, the roots of conflict lie in different and competing interests, and disagreements require political action, including negotiation, coalition building, and the exercise of power and influence, all of which recognize that rationality is local. The political perspective asks, "Who's defining the problem, and what gives them the power to define it? Who's advocating what solution, and why? How can I get an outcome that serves the interests of my group and me?
Power and interests, coalition building and negotiation, conflict and conflict resolution are essential aspects of organizational life.

Upon reading and analyzing the case, the power lies within several organizations and individuals. In this paper, analyzing the political lens requires naming and defining the key individuals who obtain political power that affects Wal-Mart’s decisions. Including the following: Wal-Mart, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), John Fleming, Kert Davies, Jim Stanway, H. Lee Scott, Mckinsey & Company, Heather Rodgers,