The Disney name has become synonymous, not only within its own organization, but throughout the corporate world for their unique, but highly effective management philosophies. Companies from around the world use the Disney organization as a role model for creating more effective management styles within their own organizations. There have been numerous books and articles written on the Disney organization as a role model. In, "The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company", for example, the authors outline many of the management techniques created by the Disney organization in hopes that it would allow other companies to soar beyond the limits of their own traditional management techniques. (Meetings Net, 2003).
Long ago, Walt Disney realized the need for a structured learning environment that would teach the unique skills required of Disney's cast members, which employees are referred to as. In order for his company to be a success, Walt Disney incorporated several programs into the training and teaching of prospective cast members, including the one-and-one-half day training program called Traditions and the world-renowned Disney University. It is through their Traditions training that cast members learn the history behind Disney, as well as how to meet and exceed guest expectations.
Disney University is the intensive two-day training seminar that all new hires at the various Disney attractions must attend before their first day on the job. The first corporate university of its kind, Disney University remains one of the largest corporate training facilities in the world (Quality Digest, 1997). Disney saw there was a demand by other companies for the same knowledge it instilled in its own organization. Disney met this demand by developing the Disney Institute to share their successful business ideas with other companies. Since its inception, tens of thousands of employees from companies around the globe have attended the trainings and seminars offered by the Disney Institute in order to better serve the business needs of their own company.