Final answer:
Disney's success as a leading media company is attributed to a strategy of related-linked diversification, where it expanded into areas similar to its existing operations, fostering synergies and leveraging its brand across different business units. Option A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disney became the world's leading media company to a large extent by pursuing a corporate strategy, which aligns most closely with the concept of related-linked diversification. This strategic approach involves expanding the company's operations into areas that are similar to its existing business lines but also provide the opportunity to create synergies between different units.
Disney, for instance, not only produces films and television programs but also operates theme parks, sells merchandise, and has a presence in the publishing industry. By expanding into these related fields, Disney could leverage its strong brand and cross-promote its products and services. The strategy enables risk spreading without straying too far from the core competencies that made the company successful in the first place.
Contrary to related-linked diversification, cost-leadership involves becoming the lowest-cost producer in an industry and is not typically associated with Disney's approach. Unrelated diversification is when a company expands into businesses that are not linked to its current lines, which can dilute the brand and create management challenges. Finally, hostile takeovers are a method of acquisition that is aggressive and not inherently reflective of Disney's growth strategy, which tends to be more synergistic and aligned with its brand image.
Considering the information presented and the nature of Disney's business model, the mention of the corporate strategy resonates with the concept of related-linked diversification. Hence, the correct option to this question is A. related-linked diversification.