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Assessing Corporate Culture (Walt Disney)

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Assessing Corporate Culture (Walt Disney)
Assessing Corporate Culture
Whether you are an employee (Cast Member) or a visitor (Guest), it is easy to see that the Corporate Culture of Walt Disney is one of magic, empowerment, and diversity. It is an organization with a strong set of values and beliefs that motivates it's Cast Members toward one specific goal, creating a magical experience for all guests who enter.
When entering the career home page for the Walt Disney Corporation it reads:
Welcome to DisneyCareers, We are the dreamers and doers; a cast of thousands committed to making magic and making dreams a reality. Our people represent a broad spectrum of experience and cultural heritage, and we want to add to this diverse wealth of talent (http://disney.go.com/disneycareers).

By definition, an organization is a group of people who work interdependently toward some purpose (McShane, 2002). The Walt Disney organization revolves around the concept of magic. In an interview with CEO and chairman, Michael Eisner (2000), he states, "Make sure people throughout the organization routinely perform "practical magic" – a potent mix of exciting ideas and hardheaded questioning" (p. 115). The organization stresses the importance of working together to come up with innovative ideas to make the environment an exciting and magical experience, not only for guests, but also for employees. Disney believes that employees having fun facilitates teamwork. The scenery overwhelms anyone who has been to Disney. The environment is filled with opportunities to visit different countries at Epcot Center, experiencing spine-tingling thrill rides, and meeting famous characters like Mickey Mouse or Cinderella. These artifacts suggest an organization that emphasizes teamwork, balancing work and play, and energy. This creates an atmosphere of empowerment for Disney's employees. Employees can feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions and feel that they are contributing to the success of the organization. It is a



References: Continued Nelson, B. (1999), Motivation Matters: Disney 's Magic? Recognition, Retrieved July 14, 2004 from http://www.meetingsnet.com Paton, S. M. (Jan 1997). Service quality, Disney style. Quality Digest. Retrieved July 16, 2004 from http://www.qualitydigest.com/jan97/disney.html. Wetflauer, S. (2000). Common sense and conflict: an interview with Disney 's Michael Eisner. Harvard Business Review, 78(1), 114. Retrieved June 12, 2004 from EBSCOhost database.

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