Framework for Disney, Research Paper Example

Introduction

This paper addresses the Planning, Organizing, Leading and controlling framework (POLC) for the Disney Corporation.  The Disney Corporation is an international and world famous movie and media organization.  The business has five main strands that include media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. The reason that Walt Disney happens to be a world success story is because of its comprehensive mission statement and its ability to translate vision into strategic action.

The planning framework

The planning segment

Vision – The vision statement of Disney sets out the overall goals and purpose of the business. It describes the purpose of the Company and how it will implement its strategic objectives. The general tag appropriate to the vision statement of Disney is very straightforward “To make people Happy” (The Walt Disney Company, 2012).  It has been argued that such a statement is too broad by definition but nevertheless the Executive of Disney have managed to focus in on this vision and be very successful.  A simple formula that is reflected within the vision statement is that of ‘Walt Disney Mission Statement: Creativity + Innovation = Profits’ (Farfan, B. 2012).

Mission –  The actual website embraces rather a long mission statement but briefly translated it sets out that the Disney Corporation wants to be one of the leading Companies that provides entertainment and information.  As such it will create a portfolio of leading brand names that will be innovative product developments in order to meet the needs of its customers.  These brand leaders to provide a profitable range of entertainment and experience with ‘the Disney experience’ on a global basis. (The Walt Disney Company, 2012)

Strategic Delivery – The Disney corporation has set out a strategic philanthropy that states the following objectives –  “By 2013, implement a philanthropic strategy with three focus areas: Compassion, Conservation and Creativity” (The Walt Disney Company, 2012).  The firm believes the concept of being a good global citizen and collaborating with likeminded businesses that will enhance the mission and goals of the firm.  Consider “ management of the creativity and innovation process is central to ensuring success, and that requires fostering a culture that allows controlled risk taking”  (Lynch, L. 2012)

The organizing segment

Human Resources – Disney is a firm that tends to hire people with very positive attitudes as opposed to pure aptitude.  They believe this makes a difference in terms of sustaining the ‘Disney culture’.   As such employee empowerment is a big part of the strategic objectives and an integral part of their training program.  They are skewed towards high quality customer service and resolving customer problems. Whilst Disney are perhaps not the top remunerators they do attempt to reward high achievers. The intern program for students is highly sought after by University graduates. The next generation of University students has ranked Disney as being one of the most desirable companies to work for owing to a positive philosophy and excellent training program.

The leading segment

Leadership Style   Disney tend to promote transformational leadership styles. Transformational Leaders are identified by the characteristics of a person with vision, a strong sense of purpose and very goal oriented.  They believe that people will follow those who inspire them.  Hence goal attainment is by inspiring your subordinates motivating them by enthusiasm and energy.  Working for these types of leaders can be a great experience as they derive a great deal of passion about their work and genuinely want you to succeed.  Such leaders start with a clear identification of a vision. Leaders of this type are quick to exploit the vision by sharing it with their team.

Decision Making –  Management Information Systems may be defined as  those integrated computer based systems that have been designed to support the management operations of a business. As such they are the applied use of computer technology  to address business problems.  This differentiates to DSS systems that are more linked to business intelligence supporting tools and the dissemination of knowledge in order to facilitate the decision making process. Disney are high technology users and use this to full business advantage. (Concordia University, 2012).

The controlling segment

Financial Control-  Disney is a strong financial company and has consistently re-invested profits over a large number of years. Fig 1 illustrates this in graphical terms

References

Concordia University. (2012, 2 4). Management Information Systems. Retrieved from Concordia University: http://www.concordia.ca/programs-and-courses/undergraduate-programs/a-z-subject-list/bcomm_mgmtinfosystems.php

Farfan, B. (2012, 9 15). Best Practice Example of a Mission Statement from the U.S. Retail Industry. Retrieved from About.com: http://retailindustry.about.com/od/retailbestpractices/ig/Company-Mission-Statements/Walt-Disney-Mission-Statement.htm

The Walt Disney Company. (2012, 9 14). The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved from The Walt Disney Company: http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/