THE SUCCESS OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

The Success Of Southwest Airlines: A Comparative Analysis

The Success Of Southwest Airlines: A Comparative Analysis

OUTLINE

The highly visible competitive advantages Southwest Airlines has, occur from its leadership by Herb Kelleher.

People that visit the company, describe the ambiance there as "a place where kindness and the human spirit are nurtured"

Herb is often referred to as one of the most appreciated entrepreneurs from the US. Known as the 'most loved leader,'

Kelleher can be compared by Tilton, the CEO of UAL.

Southwest has both informal and formal structure of organization. However, there is no informal structure as such.

Thesis Statement

Southwest Airlines is a symbol of freedom. One of the strength, which in my opinion emphasizes the company's spirit best, is the description of the firm by its employees as "a family".

I. Introduction

Since 1971, Southwest airlines low fares have given millions of Americans to freely fly. From Southwest flag to their open seating, from their all-jet fleet to the declaration of freedom, the Southwest spirit illuminates their past, guides their present, and forges their future. This is the secret of their success. This paper compares Southwest Airlines to United Airlines, by giving examples accordingly. (Bunz 2008:12)

II. Organizational Culture:

As the industry faces a struggle to make profits and retain employees and customers happy, southwestern airline industry was profitable for the record 33 consecutive years. He enjoys the total market value that exceeds the number of other airlines, Fortune 500 combined. So, what is the secret of his success? It is simply a man in the center of the company.

In my opinion, a very visible competitive advantages in the south-west Airlines, come from his leadership of Herb Kelleher. Fortune writer Ken Labich said: "The difference between the South West and other carriers in an effort Herb gets from people who work for him." (SAPP 2004:8)

The company, the attitude towards its employees is reflected even in the "People's Department, headed by Ann Rhoades. She believes that the employee must "do what it takes to the customer happy, and at the same time believes that employees, as customers of its group. Division objective is to keep people focused and to familiarize them with the love of their actions on costs. (Bunz 2008:65)

In the southwestern part of the spirit is now visible also in the recruiting department. The selection process focuses on a positive attitude and teamwork. The Company believes that most skills can be learned, and what is relevant. "In an interview, who are hired based on their size, but not for their powers" (2004:74 SAPP)

People that visit us, describing the atmosphere there as "a place where goodness and the human spirit is developed." Southwest is trying hard to preserve its culture. One example would be Colleen Barrett, and the Committee on Culture, which attempt to preserve the values that led to the south-west of its current status and achievements (as with customers, hard work, equality, value consciousness, devotion, fun and family). (SAPP 2004:88)

United Airlines opposite culture southwest ...