Final answer:
The true statement about Wal-Mart is that its centralized decision-making in Arkansas allows for rapid response to competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following is TRUE of Wal-Mart? The most accurate statement is that decision-making responsibility is centered at its Arkansas headquarters which allows the firm to respond quickly to competitive attacks. Wal-Mart is known for its centralized decision-making process, where strategic decisions are made at the headquarters in Arkansas, giving it the ability to respond promptly to market changes and competitive actions.
Wal-Mart's business model, while enabling it to offer low prices due to economies of scale, has been criticized for negative impacts on local economies. The company's entry into small towns can lead to the closure of locally owned businesses and may affect local services and manufacturing sectors reliant on those businesses. Furthermore, Wal-Mart's employment practices are often pointed out for providing poor wages and benefits, contributing to the phenomenon known as Wal-Martization of the economy.
Despite this, Wal-Mart's success is not attributed to little market commonality with other industry firms; in fact, it is their efficient production model and cost structure that allow them to maintain competitive pricing, much like other retail giants such as Amazon. Additionally, Wal-Mart's ability to 'think big' is not its sole advantage. Rather, its success is derived from its ability to operate efficiently on a large scale and leverage its buying power.