We have a responsibility to all our stakeholders to make decisions strictly on the basis of Walmart’s interests, without regard to personal gain. A conflict of interest can arise when our judgment could be influenced, or might appear as being influenced, by the possibility of personal benefit. Even if it’s not intentional, the appearance of a conflict may be just as damaging to your reputation, and Walmart’s reputation, as an actual conflict. We should always be on the lookout for situations that may create a conflict of interest, and do everything we can to avoid them.

It’s your responsibility to tell your immediate manager about any situation that you think creates, or could create, a conflict of interest. Managers are encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the Global Ethics Office. They will determine how to handle the situation.

Conflict of interest situations can come up in various ways. The following sections outline some of the possibilities.