Case Study on "Sw Airlines Company Background Southwest"

Case Study 4 pages (1448 words) Sources: 2 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

SW Airlines

Company Background

Southwest Airlines is a U.S. based airline carrier and the world's largest low-cost carrier. It was formed in 1967 and, as of 2012, had almost 50,000 employees operating about 3,500 flights per day. The company grossed $17.1 B. In 2012 with its fleet of Boeing 737s, resulting in net income of $620M, or 36% (SW Airlines, 2013). The company is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 737s with over 550 currently in service. The company has an outstanding safety record, and is considered to be one of the 10 safest airlines globally (in Depth, 2012).

Historical Perspective

Southwest has the fewest complaints in the airline industry, the award for the most on-time flights, and best baggage handling. For these achievements, it won the industry's Triple Crown award for Best Airline five times in a row (Fortune 100 Best Companies, 2011. Even after the 9/11 crisis, SW had to cut flights by 20%, and while most other airlines cut staff, SW was willing to lose money to protect its people (Aboutsouthwest; southwest.com). The culture of the company was shown by SW's CEO Jim Parker, who noted, "Clearly we can't continue to do this indefinitely, but we are willing to suffer some damage, even to our stock price, to protect the jobs of our people" (Gitell,2003, p. 242). This resulted in the company maintaining a presence in the market, a great deal of positive publicity, employee loyalty, and a cultural commitment to using a difficult time to increase its presence in the market and show that it was committed to its employee culture.

Current Situation

Southwest's policy after 9/11 resulted in the company maintaining presence in the market, a great deal of positive publicity, employee loyalty, and a cultural commitment to using a difficult time to increase its presence in the market and show that it was committed to its employee culture. Not only did SW act innovatively with the "Take off -- not lay off" policy, they paved the way for other companies to consider at least three major alternatives to simply across the board layoffs: 1) How much will a layoff cost the company over the long-term? This is important -- will clients be dissatisfied, production or services halted? 2) Are there external perks or benefits that can be cut before people (office parties, bonuses, etc.)? Can the organization find ways to reduce costs without reducing people? 3) Are there alternative jobs current employees could perform? Are there ways that rotation, early retirement, cross-training, etc. could occur to make a more ethical plan? (What are Alternatives? 2012).

SW used its core values of human beings as an important part of its organization as the basis for its decision on a no layoff policy. Downsizing would have undermined this core strategy, and was not an option for management. Because of their commitment to long-range and creative, out of the box, thinking, the company was able to leverage job security to end up with a stronger, more committed workforce. In addition, employees felt empowered with a mandate that they could contribute cost-cutting ideas without fear of repercussion. These happy employees spread the word to others, clients, stakeholders, and even other potential employees; changing the culture of the organization forever.

SWOT

In the highly competitive airline industry, while not the largest company, the company that seems to glean the most press for providing innovative solutions and customer service is Southwest Airlines.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Strong fleet and firm operating stance as low-price leader

Limited routes, about 60 cities in the U.S.

International expansion

Intense and rapid competition

Friendly and professional staff

No product segementation (first class, coach, etc.).

Expand current flight distances and locations

Price fluctuations and dependence on foreign fuel

Four decades in the industry, market share and consumer trust

Limited cargo or freight space

Aquired Air Tran

Media issues that translate into stakeholder doubts

Economies of scale while still providing value and service

Heavy dependence on Boeing

Growth of U.S. traffic by 4% per annum through the decade; recovery of tourism

Regulations and barriers in marketplace

Central Issues for SW Airlines

Like many carriers, SW is plagued with issues surrounding fluctuating fuel prices based on foreign oil, a lull in the transportation market, and some recent negative publicity. SW cannot do much about the price of fuel or the… READ MORE

How to Reference "Sw Airlines Company Background Southwest" Case Study in a Bibliography

Related Papers:

Southwest Airline Case Study

SW Airline Case Study

There are several Human Resources systems at place within Southwest Airlines that allow the company to maintain competitive advantage over its rivals. These systems work efficiently… read more

Case Study 4 pages (1319 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Career / Labor / Human Resources

---

Southwest Airlines. The Case Case Study

Southwest Airlines. The case is set in 2010, and Southwest has emerged as one of the leading U.S. airlines (#1 by passenger volume) through a combination of unique culture, sound… read more

Case Study 11 pages (3131 words) Sources: 5 Style: APA Topic: Business / Corporations / E-commerce

---

Microsoft Company Background Microsoft Is a U.S Research Paper

Microsoft

Company Background

Microsoft is a U.S.-based provider of personal and business software solutions, video game consoles and Internet media. The company's core product has long been its Windows operating… read more

Research Paper 6 pages (1694 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Computers / IT / Internet

---

Organizational Management Southwest Airlines Term Paper

Organizational Management

Southwest Airlines was started in Texas and began flights in June of 1971, with three Boeing 737 aircraft. It served the three cities of Houston, Dallas, and San… read more

Term Paper 8 pages (2658 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Transportation / Mass Transit

---

Southwest Airlines Analysis Discuss the Corporate Culture Research Paper

Southwest Airlines Analysis

Discuss the corporate culture at Southwest Airlines and how it leverages its culture to achieve a competitive advantage.

The nature of Southwest Airlines' culture is one predicated… read more

Research Paper 8 pages (2862 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Business / Corporations / E-commerce

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>