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Sam Walton
By:
Gary J. ... Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, was a man that possessed the attributes found in some of most influential leaders in history. This paper will explore the history of Sam Walton’s life with a detailed illustration of his leadership, motivational, and managerial skills. ...
Sam Moore Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, was an uncommon man living in a common life. ... Sam Walton was born on March 29, 1918 to Thomas Gibson and Nancy Lee Walton near Kingfisher, Oklahoma. When Sam Walton died following a long battle with bone cancer, he left behind a legacy as a folk hero and one of the most influential and richest retailers of this century. Raised on a farm in Oklahoma, Sam learned the value of thrift, hard work, and leadership. ... Once out of college and the Army, Sam aspired to an MBA degree and dreamed of becoming president of the United States. ... In 1945, at the age of 44, Sam opened his first retail store in Newport, Arkansas. Subsequently, success had little effect on Sam. ... Sam soon made his mark and started opening his chain of Wal-Mart stores. ... Sam believed that his executives should spend more time on the selling floor than behind the desk. ... Sam would rise before dawn and drop in unannounced at some Wal-Mart stores. ... ” Much of Sam’s work was done with is ears. ... Sam listened to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, stockholders, distributors, or even competitors. ... Through Sam Walton’s unique managerial and communication skills, he was able to make his company number one in their industry. ... Sam Walton established a strong culture that should be admired by everyone. ... Sam Walton built a culture based on making the customer number one. Sam kept the culture alive through his way with people. ... Sam’s implementation of the Wal-mart culture can be viewed as a waterfall effect. ... Because not all employees buy into the culture of an organization, Sam created events to promote a sense of unity. ... To help employees adapt to “Sam’s Way” he hosted a number events, most involving sports and outdoor adventure. ... Sam also created a very spiritual organization. ... In reference to the second characteristic, Wal-Mart values employees and Sam Walton believed that his associates are best source for new ideas. ... Sam Walton believed that employees were the most important element of an organization. ... Sam Walton motivated people in several ways. ... With reference to Sam Walton, he fulfilled each of these needs by providing a spiritual organization. ... By providing a secure working environment, Sam is able to focus on the next need, social. ... In this case, Sam Walton’s perception of his associate would be considered under Theory Y. As mention earlier, Sam thought of his employees to be the most important element of the organization. ... McClelland’s Theory of Needs identifies three needs that can be used to motivate employees in the work place:
• The need for achievement
• The need for power
• The need for affiliation
The way Sam Walton motivated his associates is an excellent example of McClelland’s Theory of Needs. Research indicates that Sam Walton was an inspiration leader. ... In his autobiography Sam talks about motivating employees. Sam recognizes that all employees have the desire to do better and talks about the importance of providing a work environment that encourages development. ... ” Sam also acknowledges the significance in promotion. ... Sam often visited his Wal-Mart stores and met with the employees that were doing well. ... When Sam would visit the stores he liked to personally promote his associates. ... Sam hosted a number of parties in order for his associates to socialize. ... Sam Walton also believed in setting goals. ...
Another way Sam Walton motivates his associates is by showing his appreciation. As stated earlier, Sam’s store visits were legend. One occasion, when visiting a store, Sam apparently woke about 2:00am and could not go back to sleep. ... Not only were Sam associates inspired by his visits, they were motivated to do their jobs better. Another important tool Sam used to motivating people is by listening. ... Sam listened and within a short period of time the group had a restroom nearby. Sam would often tell his managers, “Show your concern daily…stay with our people through the good times and the bad times. ... Sam Walton does not only voice his appreciation for people but he shows it by allowing associates to share in the success of the company. ... Sam Walton was definitely one of the great leaders in the retail industry. ...
• Drive and ambition
• The desire to lead and influence others
• Honesty and Integrity
• Self-Confidence
• Intelligence
• In-Depth technical knowledge related to their area of responsibility
Sam Walton possessed all of the attributes list above. After researching the his history and reading some of his autobiography, Sam Walton showed the six traits in his everyday life. From the earliest days, Sam worked long hours. Even prior to owning a store, Walton organized his day and weeks so systematically that he was able to accomplish far more than his peers. ... Walton has also displayed his desire to lead and influence others beyond contestation. ... Not only did Sam Walton desire to lead others, he helped his associates reach their own goals as well. ... Sam and his associates help raise $77 million dollars in an attempt to involve the surrounding communities and neighborhoods. ... Sam also created scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Giving back to the communities establishes that Sam is honest and has integrity. Sam also illustrates that he has a lot of self-confidence. Sam shows this by giving speeches and meeting new people. ... Since Sam owns his own business he shows that he has confidence in himself to make risky decisions. Without confidence, Sam would have never been able to differentiate his stores from others. ... Sam was obtained an MBA and had several years experience in the retail industry before he started his own business. ... Sam was intelligent and had a lot of knowledge of the retail industry. ... In reference to Sam Walton, he has a very high level of consideration and initiating. ... Sam Walton would have been considered a employee-oriented leader because of his personal connection to the associates. Walton would listen to his employee, giving the impression that he valued their opinions and feels. ... Under the path-goal theory, Sam Walton would have been considered an excellent leader. ... Under the path-goal theory there are four different types of leadership behaviors:
• Directive leader
• Supportive leader
• Participative leader
• Achievement-oriented leader
Sam Walton displayed more participative and supportive leadership an he did directive and achievement-oriented. ... As mentioned earlier, Walton believed that his associates could provide answers and ideas to make the organization better.
Approximate Word count = 5581
Approximate Pages = 22.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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