Running head: The Walt Disney Company: Culture & Communication
The Walt Disney Company:
Culture and Communication
Christina L. Campbell
University of Phoenix
The Walt Disney Company: Culture and Communication
Walt Disney founded The Walt Disney Company in 1923 with his brother Roy. Back then it was just a cartoon studio. According to The Walt Disney Company (2009) it “has grown to become a diversified, international family entertainment and media company. The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.” (¶ 1,2) How did The Walt Disney Company achieve such great success? With the creation of its theme parks, media group, and resorts, it takes thousands of cast members to make its customers dreams come true. “You can dream, create, and build the most wonderful place on earth, but it takes people to make that dream a reality” (“Working their magic: Disney culture molds happy employees”, 2003). The company culture is very important in keeping the employees engaged in the mission set forth by The Walt Disney Company. The employees have to believe in the company and what it stands for. In this paper, I will examine The Walt Disney Company’s culture and values, how communication plays a vital role in maintaining that culture, and how using effective communication within the organization can help to resolve conflict.
Culture and Communication
According to Ruben (2002), “The term "culture" refers to the complex collection of knowledge, folklore, language, rules, rituals, habits, lifestyles, attitudes, beliefs, and customs that link and give a common identity to a particular group of people at a specific point in time” (p 207). The Walt Disney Company has a company culture that “values its employees through open communication, comprehensive training, and frequent recognition and rewards.” (“Working their magic: Disney culture molds happy employees”, 2003)....