Monday, September 09, 2013

You cant spell Culture without ... Organization?

The third assignment in our Intercultural Communications class is to write a short report, answering several questions about our perspective on Disney's organizational culture.
'Organizational Culture' values,  behaviors  expectations, experiences, philosophy, and values that embody a business or company; and is expressed in its self-image, inner workings, interactions with the outside world, and future expectations.
For your reading pleasure I have posted it here, although I've made some alterations due to confidentiality of my other cast members :)

1) How would you describe the organizational culture of Walt Disney World?

They are very strategic and methodical in their scheduling and production in order to service their guests fully. They care about their workers and guests equally in safety and enthusiasm. They are the leading entertainment business in today’s society. Disney had successfully made a business out of selling entertainment in all forms possible to its audiences.

2) Discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses of Disney’s organizational culture from your point of view.

The company is very committed to the safety of its employees and guests. They want to maintain as much magical show qualities as possible without harming the integrity of anyone involved. They are very engaged within their community and try to be the most diverse company possible. They make sure that all cultures are represented equally within their cast and shows and all people have a chance to work there.

3) Would you say that Disney is able to attract good talent? If so, is that because Disney has a great organizational culture?

 Disney has a reputation of being the best entertainment business. They are also one of the widest accepting businesses ethnically and diversely. This brings a lot of eager talent and people who dream of working for such a high-standards company. You hear minimal scandals or mishaps from the company which gives it a very positive appeal to everyone.

4) Does Disney do things that would enable it to retain talent?

They continually rotate you through all the job roles and locations that you know in order to keep your skills retained. If you request to be trained in another location or role they are also swift to accommodate your requests.

5) Does Disney do things that keep its employees feel engaged when they’re at work? Do they feel engaged?

Disney lets you be part of the magic. You can participate in testing attractions when the parks are closed, they have special times when cast members can visit the park as ‘employee appreciation,’ they have specific appreciation parties once or twice a month, you can enter contests and surveys online to win a multitude of prizes. You have a choice whether you want to work with the guests or cast members or both. You can engage with guests directly and give them magical moments every day or you can engage with your fellow cast and help me a part of making those moments with them.

6) Does Disney have a strong organizational culture which is instantly known by cast members when they begin working at Disney? Does Disney’s organizational culture energize you?

Disney does a great job of letting their core values and expectations be known as soon as you arrive or start working. You go through training, presentations, traditions classes, and are continuously encouraged to provide examples even after you start working and throughout your time there. When you are applauded for special work you have done it is specifically for an example of one of their core values so you are again reminded of what they are. Everything they do or teach is upbeat, up to date and they try to make it seem as interesting and fun as possible.

7) Do you think that you’re able to contribute to Disney’s success in meaningful ways? Are their avenues where you can express your ideas about making Disney a better company?

Disney gives you the chance to contribute to the company. There are surveys being performed constantly in person throughout the parks and online. There are comment boards online that you can put in ideas or thoughts and your managers are always very welcoming with an ‘open door’ policy in helping find a solution or compromise to your problems.

8) Is Disney culture different for the CEO, the Manager, or the full time staff person than it is for you?

I don’t believe there is a difference between job positions when it comes to Disney’s organizational culture. Every cast member has the same expectations in performance, courtesy, efficiency and safety… etc. that all other cast members have no matter what position or location they are in. We all look out for each other and we all work hard to achieve our goals. Disney fully understands that without its cast it cannot perform properly and makes sure that its higher up staff remember that they were once littler and without the littler staff they wouldn’t have an efficient job either. Most of the higher up staff are very friendly and talkative and even help you with your tasks when they really don’t have to.

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