Chapter 11: Creating a Culture Summary and Analysis

Sam has created a unique culture at Wal-Mart where managers meet every Saturday morning and even have their own Wal-Mart cheer. The chairman will call out the Hogs, which is a common chant from Arkansas mimicking the Razorbacks cheer. The feeling is that if you can create excitement about the work environment, you will enjoy a "whistle while you work" mentality. Associates and management alike will work better because of it and look forward to working. They might not have invented the idea of a strong corporate culture, but they do embody the concept.

Sam encourages his management and associates to always think of fun and interesting things to do in the store. They want people to notice them and to break the mold and monotony of coming to work every day. The company stunts...