Comparative Analysis of Corporate Cultures: Disney, The Circle, and Adobe

In the realm of corporate triumph, numerous factors contribute to a company's prosperity, among which lies its organizational culture. This refers to the set of values, traditions, and customs that wield a profound influence on the motivation and conduct of its employees as a cohesive unit. In this analysis, we shall delve into the divergent organizational cultures of Disney and The Circle, and how their combined essence distinguishes them from Adobe.

The primary mission of The Walt Disney Company is to infuse happiness into people's lives and to emerge as one of the world's foremost creators and purveyors of entertainment and knowledge (Farfan, Barbara, 2014). With an organizational culture that exudes excellence in entertainment, Disney distinguishes itself by continuously innovating its offerings to its audience, extending beyond mere productions and amusement parks. Long-established as a pinnacle in the entertainment industry, Disney's most conspicuous cultural aspect is the emphasis on customer service and the creation of unforgettable experiences at their theme parks. Employees are heralded as the paramount asset, affectionately referred to as "cast members." When one becomes employed at Disney, they are instantly considered an integral part of the grand spectacle. Actions, not just words, hold sway at Disney.

Conversely, at The Circle, a fictional company in a movie of the same name, they offer an all-encompassing array of services: emails, social media, online banking, image and video sharing, and more. The depicted company operates as a totalitarian monopoly, bestowing scant privacy and personal choice upon its employees.

Both companies assert control over their workforce. At Disney, before one can partake in the collective endeavor of "making all dreams come true," alignment with the desired corporate culture is expected. To achieve this, Disney exercises control over the physical appearance of its employees, proscribing tattoos, excessive piercings, unnatural makeup, and hair color. Moreover, Disney employees must adhere to seven guidelines, which include maintaining eye contact, greeting every guest, displaying appropriate body language, and expressing gratitude to all (Sparks, Wally, 2007). These rules serve as measures to safeguard the family-friendly culture Disney endeavors to convey to its audience. Monitoring the physical appearance of employees has proven effective, as it allows the company to retain individuals who align with their image and values while parting ways with those who do not. However, the demand for perpetual cheerfulness at Disney can be demanding, as it may subdue genuine emotions under the weight of control.

Meanwhile, at The Circle, employees are stripped of privacy and personal autonomy. Their information is to be laid bare, as the company adheres to the motto "sharing is caring." The notion of keeping anything to oneself is considered antisocial and selfish. The Circle exercises control over its employees by incessantly monitoring their daily lives, all in a bid to ensure peak productivity. Nevertheless, this system of technological control proves ineffective, as exemplified by Mae's mentor, who succumbs to emotional breakdowns after learning the truth about her ancestors through PastPerfect. The Circle's quest for genuine emotions often prompts individuals to put on a facade, as they are perpetually under surveillance.

Working in an environment where every detail is scrutinized by customers, supervisors, or coworkers can generate stress. Employees may feel as though their every move is being observed, leading to a fear of not performing tasks correctly, consequently diminishing overall productivity. At Disney, employee motivation stems from a profound belief in the company's purpose, which revolves around preserving the magic Disney embodies. Encouraging free thinking empowers Disney's workforce, fostering a sense of belonging and dedication. In contrast, The Circle's dictatorial corporate culture renders it an unattractive workplace, as the relentless surveillance strategy prioritizes visibility of productivity and company involvement over the well-being of its employees, ultimately causing harm.

An exemplar of a company that harnesses corporate culture to positively, effectively, and ethically motivate and manage its employees is Adobe. Esteemed for its core values of Genuineness, Exceptionalism, Innovation, and Involvement, Adobe fosters an environment that encourages employees to embark on challenging projects, with full support provided. In this realm of creativity and freedom, employees are neither micromanaged nor incessantly tracked during work hours. While they explore their ideas, they are also granted permission to encounter setbacks. Employee benefits at Adobe encompass holiday pay, medical insurance, retirement plans, and education reimbursement.