Analysis of Organizational Culture

Analysis of Organizational Culture

Jeanne Aparicio

MGT330

Bob Kolber

April 19, 2010

Analysis of Organizational Culture

Introduction

Organizational culture is the foundation of any company. The culture is unique to all companies and is set by the founders of the organization. Organizational culture is defined as “a system of shared meaning held by members that distinguishes the organization from other organizations.” (Robbins & Judge, 2007). In many instances the stated organizational culture may not coincide with the values that are being enacted by the company. The Walt Disney World Company (“Disney”) is a good example of how stated and enacted values may differ significantly.

Organizational Culture: The Walt Disney World Company Example

Disney has six core values within its culture as stated on their website. (The Walt Disney World Company, 2010). The values include innovation, quality, community, story-telling, optimism, and decency. Of all the values that encompass the organization the value of community is the one that has been questioned most in recent years.

Disney’s value of community includes the idea of wholesome entertainment that the entire family can enjoy for many years to come. In recent years Disney has made movies that have put into question the values it places on family entertainment. For example, in 2001 Disney released a movie by the name of Bubble Boy. (Goode, 2001). The movie depicted an America that was filled with bigotry and evil. The film did not uphold the values that the founder of the organization envisioned. The main motivating factor for the shift in enacted values is profitability and the bottom line. Even the Disney animated pictures in recent years have taken on more adult plots such as Pocahontas and The Lion King. (Goode, 2001).

Communication played a tremendous part in the differences stated above. The communication was based on the movies that Disney started releasing....