Corporate Culture

What is corporate culture? At its most basic, it's described as the personality of an organization, or simply as "how things are done around here." It guides how employees think, act, and feel. Corporate culture is a broad term used to define the unique personality or character of a particular company or organization, and includes such elements as core values and beliefs, corporate ethics, and rules of behavior. Some companies have a strong and extremely evident corporate culture; one example of this is Southwestern Airlines.

Southwest Airlines have done several things to define its unique personality. They have published mission statements that promote the companies values and vision. Southwest Airlines have published two value statements; one for its customers and one for its employees. The customer statement reads: 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. This statement suggests that as a Southwest Airlines customer, one will be treated well and will be happy with the service that they receive. The employee mission statement doesn’t veer to far away from this same principle. “We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. 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.” This statement reinforces the opinion that as a consumer, one would be treated very well by a Southwest Airlines employee, the logic is simple; if the employee is happy then the customer will be happy.

Southwest Airlines also has a few “slogans” that, especially as a marketing campaign, emphasize the company’s mission statements. “Stop Searching. Start Traveling.” Is one of the slogans that is plastered all over the companies website. This is a very clever slogan as it reiterates to customers that there is no reason to search for another airline. Everyone knows that searching for the right airline to fly on is a hassle, all one needs to do is eliminate that “hassle” and start traveling.

The many different work environments that Southwest Airlines has is another clue to the culture of the company. Southwest employs a vast range of positions, from corportate positions like human resourses and other administrative roles to customer service roles like a flight attendant, Customer service agent, and piolet, and of course technical positions like ramp agent, aircraft appearance technician and A&P mechanic.