Behind The Southwest Airlines Culture

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Southwest airlines began in 1967 as Air Southwest Co. Based in Dallas. They began serving three major cities in Texas, with only three Boeing 737 aircrafts. March 29th, 1971 Air Southwest Co. changed its name to Southwest Airlines Co. The company began service on June 18, 1971 from Love Field in Dallas to Houston and San Antonio. Founders Rollin King and Herb Kelleher were inspired by their location to create an airline that was focused on the people. The LUV airline prides itself with exceptional employees and “no frill” customer service. CEO, Gary Kelly states, “After all, we like to say that we are not a Company of planes; we are a Company of People.” Southwest is known to value their employees just as equally as their customers. Their employee mission statement reads, “Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.” After 42 years of service, Southwest is now America's biggest low-fare airline, serving more customers domestically than any other carrier.

Southwest’s mission statement states the following, “The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit”. The company holds true to their mission statement and is currently one of the top ranking airlines for customer and employee satisfaction. Southwest prides themselves on having the happiest employees in the industry. By treating employees like family, they are able to project their corporate culture in another positive way. The company also has a separate mission statement to their employees; “We are committed ...

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...west Airlines," Handbook of Texas Online(http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/eps01), accessed February 16, 2014. Uploaded on June 15, 2010. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.

Milliman, John. Ferguson, Jeffery. Trickett, David. Condemi, Bruce. "Spirit and community at Southwest Airlines:: An investigation of a spiritual values­based model” Journal of Organizational Change Management Vol. 12 Iss:3 pp.221­233. Web. 12 Feb 2014..

"Our Culture." Southwest.com. n.p. 2014. Web. 12 Feb. 2014

"Southwest Corporate Fact Sheet." swamedia. N.p.. Web. 16 Feb 2014. .

"1966 to 1971 ­ By Date­ Southwest." swamedia. N.p.. Web. 16 Feb 2014. .

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