A parallel example to the "Ancient Story" that I have witnessed that shows how employees perceive their jobs differently, was in Disney World. Although Disney is one of the largest corporations worldwide, the example I have came from down the corporate ladder to the amazing "cast members" at Disney World.
After completing College in England, I applied for a gap year to work at Walt Disney World, Florida, and after numerous interviews, I was successful enough to secure a place as a cultural representative, working in EPCOT, at the Rose and Crown Pub, representing the United Kingdom. During the most fantastic year of my life, I made so many new friends and got to meet plentiful interesting people. One evening, I went to a house party, most of which were performers and characters for Disney. From Mary Poppins to Power Rangers and even Goofy. Many worked in the Lion King show in the Animal Kingdom Park. However, when I asked what they did, the responses varied from 'I'm a character' to 'I play Mary Poppins.' Many seemed very withdrawn and unhappy and not so excited to tell me. But for many others, the responses were so happy and proud of their role and privileged working for Disney. And I will never forget one person, one may say a Disney fanatic, when asked what he did at Disney, he confidently said "I make dreams come true." As Aladdin, this one individual was so proud, happy and loved his position.
In anyone else's opinion outside of Disney, the idea of working as a character in Walt Disney World would be so exciting, having the capability of making lots of children so overwhelmingly happy and making their dreams come true. This in my example, is far and few between in reality in Disney.
Motivation is a key element not just for job satisfaction but also performance. I truly believe, the performance of the characters is never compromised by the morale of the individual but their perception of their role was varied. It seemed that positive reinforcement for Aladdin, whereby playing the role gave so much joy to little children was a motivation in itself, however overs lacked like Goofy, feeling the same way. Covered completely in costume, did not satisfy his social needs, to be recognized for his performing skills, or able to communicate. I think Disney could further motivate these individuals that lack the sense of pride and accomplishment. Disney needs to increase the satisfier factors such as recognition as well as hygiene factors like the base wage as Disney paid very little for characters. If the wage was to resemble the importance of the role, some characters felt a lack of appreciation. Disney needs to focus on both hygiene factors and satisfier factors according to Herzberg Two-Factor Theory as there are elements of both sides lacking. Corporations need to understand that everybody is individual and has different needs to be motivated. Understanding the employees and what drives them to succeed is key to having a well stimulated workforce.
I think its amazing that you worked at Disney. I could see why Disneys employees would be disatisifed due to low wage compensation, however the happiness and smiles that you recieve from all around must be satisfying within itself. However, it is very reasonable that after a while you want to be properly compensated for being responsible for making others so happy. Without the characters at Disney, Disney just isn't Disney. Especially since it is a job where your personality exemplifies highly on others.
ReplyDeleteI think that Aladin found his motivation and happiness on his own. I believe that being motivated is one's own choice of thinking whatever he or she does something, they can try to find meaning into the task. Of course improving hygiene factors will increase job satisfaction for employees. However, people like Aladin can see the big picture in life with passion.
ReplyDeleteI think Disney is a great example of the company where you just expect to see happy and satisfied workers, but in reality it seems that not a lot of employees feel that way. Probably because a lot of them are temporary workers, so management feels reluctant to providing proper training and orientation as well as satisfactory working conditions, salaries and other benefits which would motivate and engage short-term staff.
ReplyDeleteSome extra positive reinforcement is always a plus, especially in such a large organization as Disney where it is very hard to have a full control over everybody`s actions. I wish all of my future employees (if I ever have any) would be as motivated as this guy who acted as Aladdin.
ReplyDeletemotivation can change anybody in this world. it is very important for people to have motivation and work more. at work place I also agree that motivation is the most important.
ReplyDeleteMoney is always a factor that may lead a person to liking or disliking the work that he or she is doing. If a person is not paid well will complain constantly. And the opposite will happen to a person that is paid well.
ReplyDeleteThats such a cool story Adam. As you tell in your stoty, Aladdin was a person who loved his job and due to it maybe positive energy was able to flow and influence kids who believe in magic, dreams, and the Disney dream. Maybe for Aladdin the monetary factor was not the decisive factor to perform well on his job, maybe it was Maslow's social needs or psychological needs more than the safety needs that led him to be so passionate at his job.
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent example that clearly differentiated the wide array of feelings within a company with so many fronts.
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