Bribery is business-as-usual at ethical Walmart?

A New York Times investigation showed that Walmart, the world’s biggest retail chain, has allegedly bribed officials in Mexico, allowing the company to expand at a faster rate than normal. Top executives and board members were aware of these allegations since a Mexico official involved in the bribery but was kicked out, reported the wrongdoings to the decision makers, prompting an investigation on possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The probe fizzled out as profits contributed by the Mexico unit soared, indicating that problems may go all the way to the top and among the company leaders who have tried to position Walmart as a good company committed to the highest moral and ethical standards.

Read the New York Times investigation,  Business Insider’s coverage of WalMart’s response and Reuters analysis of why this could result departures at the top.