Reading 1: Traditions, Due before September 15
“Traditions” is the foundation and starting point for all new WDW employees. Discuss the personal benefits that you received from this training and how you have implemented what you have learned into your work experience.
Be specific, “Traditions” is an important part of setting and defining the culture of the Walt Disney Company. A lot of time and effort is dedicated to this aspect of training, therefore it is expected that Cast Members utilize the tools mentioned by your leaders during this period of training and beyond.
Read “Create Company Loyalty with New-Hire Practices” by T. Freidlein
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Reading 2: Preparing for Emergency Situations, Due before October 2
Disasters, both natural and man made, are always a concern for the hospitality industry. As a manager it is important to plan properly so that your guests can feel safe, are properly entertained and fed. This is not a simple task as in certain situations food supplies and space may become limited. With the possibility that a blackout, security threat, and/or severe weather can impact operations, it is important to know how to plan for emergency situations.
Inquire how your work location prepares for emergencies and review the article mentioned below.
As compared to the statements in the article “The Storms of Summer” by Barbara Higgins, what steps are in place in your work location to 1) ensure that cast members can provide proper guest comfort? 2) How have you been trained in regard to emergency situations, may they be natural or man made? 3)What lessons will this article have on you as it relates to your future in management?
Reading: “The Storms of Summer”
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Reading 3: Networking, Due before October 15
Have you had an opportunity to network?
… to trail a manager?
… to complete management tasks?
… to understand what is needed to enter a management position with WDW?
Please comment on the above and provide examples of how you were able to better understand the role played my managers and leaders in your locations and else ware. Also consider yourself as a manager and a leader. This article from www.HCarrers.commay help guide you toward successful career advancement. “Transitioning into a Leadership Role: On-the-Job Success Strategies for Newly Promoted Managers“.
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Reading 4: Employee Moral, Due before November 10
OK…you are now more than half way through your semester with the WDW Company. How do you personally keep the magic alive? This topic is a major concern for Disney Management. After answering the same question over and over a cast member may get frustrated and bored. How does the company keep the magic alive for their full-time permanent employees?
Use the journal article “Why Do Employees Stay? A Qualitative Exploration of Employee Tenure Give examples” written by JOHN T. SELF and BEN DEWALD to support your personal observations.
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Reading 5: Due before December 2
This is an open Read and React. Think about the semester of study you have engaged in… Many students find it difficult to manage the changes in the workplace and many find it rewarding. In your courses you have been exposed to many concepts that may have been new to you as well. Select one of these concepts and explore it more broadly.
1) Identify a concept you explored in either of your Disney classes.
2) Research the topic using an academic search (i.e. the library data bases or a google scholar search, not a regular google search).
3) Select an article from an academic journal and summarize the article as a post in the “Read and React 5” section of the course site.
4) NOTE: do not select a concept that another student has selected, your MUST react (comment) on another students work.
