“an organizational system is more than the sum of its individual members and units or their particular relationship to one another” (Conrad & Poole, 2005, p.35)
Competing Parks
As we are wrapping up this project, we both feel that it enabled us to fully understand what organizational communication entails and is all about. Studying the entire culture of any organization is a time consuming but crucial part in understanding how businesses perform the way they do. Our study of Universal and Disney specifically made us realize how all aspects of an organization are parts of a system that is interconnected. In order to function successfully, these different parts must work together and communicate. The efficient flow of these processes can determine the success or failure of an organization. In return, the study thereof gives insight into changes or adaptations may need to be undergone in order to maximize their efficiency. 
While we are in no way organizational experts now, we do feel that we can make certain recommendations for both organizations. For Universal, we recommend that steps be taken to increase communication as much as possible. From our findings, we see that an attempt is made my management to increase both formal and informal relations between upper level members of the organization. However, it will take much more than a simple move to a different location to alleviate communication barriers. Our survey results showed that the lack of communication to lower level employees in the organization was blatantly visible to stakeholders (in this case customers and visitors of the park). Hence, communication and increasing both the quality and availability of information flowing through the hierarchy of members is number one recommendation to Universal Orlando.
Mickey Mouse, or Harry Potter?
While Disney did not have the same communication problems that we found to be apparent in Universal, they did have some problems of their own. Our survey results showed that, while most all of our survey takers were incredibly pleased with service at Disney, there were a few respondents who did not have anything nice to say about Disney’s employee customer interactions. Based on this, we suggest Disney try a little harder to ensure that all employees are embodying the essence of Disney. We understand 
that Disney can only do so much to ensure their employees help create magical experiences for their guests and that a few people will inevitably slip through the cracks, but we feel like there is still room for improvement. Disney should keep an eye out for unruly Cast Members that may end up ruining some park guests’ Disney experience and tarnishing the Disney brand. Ultimately, we have definitely enjoyed our time studying and blogging about these two parks. We could not have picked a more fun-loving and interesting topic! Through our study of these two massive organizations, we have concluded that the reason these two parks are able to coexist peacefully is because of their differing themes. Universal is catered more towards adventure and action, while Disney is catered more towards magic and fairytales. In the end, we have decided that the two differing themes are equally appealing in our eyes. We think it would be incredibly insightful and interesting to visit these two parks now that we know so much about their organizational culture. Seeing the magic and the adventure take place before our very own eyes would be the cherry-on-top to this engaging and entertaining project!
Conrad, C., & Poole, M. S. (2005). Strategic organizational communication: in a global
economy (6th ed.).Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadworth.
Walt Disney World vs. Universal Resort 