Publications
Publications
- September 2007 (Revised April 2009)
- HBS Case Collection
Norway Sells Wal-Mart
By: Robert C. Pozen and Aldo Sesia
Abstract
In June 2006, Norway's Pension Fund decided to divest its position in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. after an investigation by the Fund's Ethics Council. According to a spokesperson of Norway's Finance Ministry, "The recommendation to exclude Wal-Mart cites serious and systematic violations of human rights and labor rights." Before making its recommendation to the Ministry to divest Wal-Mart, the Council sent its findings to the retailer for comment, but received no response. While Wal-Mart did not respond, the company had taken several steps to strengthen its ethical standards worldwide in recent years.
Keywords
Decisions; Ethics; Insurance; Investment Activism; Investment Funds; Government and Politics; Rights; Problems and Challenges; Labor and Management Relations; Power and Influence; Retail Industry; Norway
Citation
Pozen, Robert C., and Aldo Sesia. "Norway Sells Wal-Mart." Harvard Business School Case 308-019, September 2007. (Revised April 2009.)