Sensemaking and the Structural Frame

In Module 1 Case, you will write Chapter 1 of your thesis-style paper – relating to the Structural Frame. Using specific examples of “structure” as defined by Bolman and Deal, you will use the Structural Frame as a lens through which you will analyze the effectiveness of the Walt Disney Company. Begin the Module 1 Case by visiting the Walt Disney Company website: The Walt Disney Company. (2014). Retrieved on May 8, 2014, from http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/ (File attached) Additional Case-related resources The following resources should be helpful to you in your analysis of the Case. Chapter 6 of Bryman’s book relates (somewhat ominously) to “control and surveillance” activities at Disney: -Bryman, A. (2004). The Disneyization of society. London: Sage Publications. Retrieved from Ebrary. -Structure implies logistics. -Certainly, the artful and skillful deployment of technology will often create useful intelligence – even competitive advantage. And so…is Mickey watching? Read “Big Mickey is Watching”: Palmeri, C., & Faries, B. (2014). Big Mickey is watching. Bloomberg Businessweek, (4370), 22-23. (File attached) After you have reviewed the contents of the Walt Disney Company website, completed the readings provided at the Background page of Module 1, and performed additional research from the library and the internet, write a 6-7 page paper in which you do the following: Using the following assumptions of the Structural Frame, complete an in-depth assessment of the Walt Disney Company: 1. Organizations exist to achieve established goals and objectives. 2. Organizations increase efficiency and enhance performance through specialization and a clear division of labor. 3. Appropriate forms of coordination and control ensure that diverse efforts of individuals and units mesh. 4. Organizations work best when rationality prevails over personal preferences and extraneous pressures. 5. Structures must be designed to fit an organization’s circumstances (including its goals, technology, workforce, and environment). 6. Problems and performance gaps arise from structural deficiencies and can be remedied through analysis and restructuring. ** PLEASE READ Keys to the assignment attached and Sensemaking and the Structural Frame as they form the basis of this module and the next three modules. Required resources: -Framing Perspectives. (n.d.). National Defense University. Retrieved on May 2, 2014 from http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ndu/strat-ldr-dm/pt1ch5.html -Jacobs, R. M. (n.d.). Theories of practice: The structural frame. Villanova University. Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://www83.homepage.villanova.edu/richard.jacobs/MPA%208002/Powerpoint/8002%20MPA/structural.ppt -Vincent, P. (2014). Four-frame model: Reframing organizations. Slideshare. Retrieved on May 1, 2014 from http://www.slideshare.net/PhilVincent1/fourframe-model -The Walt Disney Company. (2014). Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/ -Westbrooks, E. (2012). Reframing organizations: The structural frame. Prezi. Retrieved on May 4, 2014 from http://prezi.com/e8hhfbnjodal/reframing-organizations-the-structural-frame/