Ethical business: the new fad, or a lasting trend? Opinions differentiate on which category it falls in, but everyone can agree that more and more businesses are following the trend. Yet, what will be the eye-opener to ethical business?

Powerhouse Wal-Mart may have provided the punch to move ethical business into the eyes of the world. According to an article on Harvard Business Online (Wal-Mart Brazil Thinks Green by Andrew Winston), Wal-Mart Brazil has taken the forefront in providing ‘green’ products, and has taken a stand on human rights issues. In the article, they discuss the different stands Wal-Mart is taking to become more ethical in the Brazilian sector.

Now, what difference does this make to the rest of the world? Think about it, one of the most iconic brands has labelled themselves as ethical, and has grouped in other household brands to support them. Once consumers become more and more aware of this alliance, they will push for more ethical business procedures in Canada, in the USA, maybe even in the world. And competitors will follow Wal-Mart’s lead in order to improve their brand-name. What Wal-Mart has managed to do isn’t just improve their brand, but push ethics into the forefront of the business world.

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