Analysis of Southwest Airlines Essay Example

Analysis of Southwest Airlines Paper Analysis of Southwest Airlines Module: Business Management Vanessa Eelma Alyssa Julianna Farkas Thomas Schillinger Peter Lukacs Attila Radvanszki Adam Radvanszki 29th November, 2010 Word Count : XXXX Contents 1. Introduction3 2. Literature Review4 2. 1General Introduction of Theories Used4 2. 2SWOT Analysis4 2. 3External Factors4 2. 4Organizational Structures4 2. 5Hofstede’s Theory5 2. 6Cultural Elements5 2. 7Motivation5 3Analysis of Southwest Airlines5 3. 1Industry5 3. 2Company’s Overview6 3. 3SWOT Analysis7 . 4External Analysis8 3. 5Organizational Structure8 3. 6Hofstede’s Theory9 3. 7Organizational Culture9 3. 8Motivation10 4. Conclusion and Recommendations11 5. References11 6. Appendices13 1. Introduction The chosen company for the analysis is called Southwest Airlines. It’s operating in the tourism industry, providing air travel. The company’s main differentiating attribute from its competitors is the main reason for our choice. The business is known for its cabin crew and outstanding customer service. This is proven by numerous prizes and awards that the company has won in the last three decades. In 2008, TIME. com ranked the company as the #1 Friendliest Airlines. According to their website their aim is: â€Å"To get the passengers to their destination safely and comfortably with a laugh or two along the way†. It is their attitude that caught our attention and encouraged us to analyze it in a deeper matter. The organization allows their employees to be innovative and individual with their daily tasks and duties. This ensures a pleasant work environment for the employees who then provide a good service to the customers. One of the qualities of Southwest airlines is „to do things differently†- meaning for example the explaining of safety regulations is made more entertaining by the cabin crew’s rapping while the customers are clapping along with the beat. A clip on Youtube of the described scenario got over 300  000 views and put the Southwest Airlines in the media light. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Southwest Airlines specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Southwest Airlines specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Southwest Airlines specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This shows how outstanding organizational thinking and great human relations in treating the employees as individuals and letting them contribute with innovation can create an authentically friendly image and trough that, differentiate from the competitors on the market and achieve success. We believe that Southwest Airlines is a very successful company in its industry, and will continue being it if the organization’s management sticks to this spirit and open minded way of thinking. 2. Literature Review 2. 1 General Introduction of Theories Used To strategically analyse an organization, there are certain analytical techniques that come in handy. Firstly, we have chosen the SWOT analysis to evaluate the internal and external components. More closely, we look into the details of the external factors to see how the business is affected by them. Secondly, we decided to get insights into the company’s structure and decision making process. Thirdly, we decided to analyse the cultural effects and factors through Hofstede’s theory. We also go into more details to comprehend the company’s national culture. Last but not least, we decided to see what kind of motivation systems are used in this company. 2. 2 SWOT Analysis According to Tatum (2010), the SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool that includes external and internal factors and is utilized by businesses and other organizations to ensure that there is a clear objective defined for the project or venture, and that all factors related to the effort positive and negative are identified and addressed. The process of SWOT involves four areas of consideration: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 2. External Factors External factors of a business organisation can be divided into two parts: Macro-environment and Micro-environment. Macro-environment factors are the SLEPT factors: Social, Legal, Economic, Political and Technological. These factors affect the decisions of the managers. Micro-environment factors are much less controllable. Certain industries are also affected by Porter’s â€Å"Five Forces† model (especially the air travel industry). 2. 4 Organizational Structures This refers to the way an organization arranges its employees and jobs in order to meet their goals. If the group is very small and there is active communication, a formal structure is often not necessary. However, if we are dealing with a larger organization, it is often harder to make decisions and therefore, there must be established procedure for tasks and responsibilities’ allocation. 2. 5 Hofstede’s Theory Hofstedes research gives us insights into other cultures so that we can be more effective when interacting with people in other countries. It includes areas, such as Power Distance, Masculinity, Individualism, Uncertainty Awareness, and Long-Term Orientation. . 6 Cultural Elements According to Bauer and Erdogan (2009), culture may not be immediately observable, identifying a set of values that might be used to describe an organization’s culture helps us identify, measure, and manage culture more effectively. The organization culture profile described by Bauer and Erdogan includes 7 main dimensions – innovative, aggressive, outcome-oriented, stable , people-oriented, team-oriented, and detail oriented ( (Please see the Appendix 1 for visual information). 2. 7 Motivation Motivation consists of internal and external factors that stimulate the desire and energy in people to be interested and committed to a job. They put persistent effort into their jobs in order to reach the goals. 2 Analysis of Southwest Airlines 3. 8 Industry The recent economical and financial downturn severely impacted the airline industry in 2009 and brought only small increases in 2010. The recession negatively influenced the discretional income of travellers. More precisely, the leisure travellers’ and business travellers’ budget changes resulted with a sudden decrease in their demand. Therefore, corporate policies tightened and generally the demand for travelling decreased. On the other hand, demand for substitute products, such as video conferences and surface travel, has increased. As a result, many airlines, including Southwest Airlines, responded with capacity cuts and fare discounting. On the other hand, Southwest used the opportunity also to further expand and because of its low-fare services, it could enter new markets as well. 3. 9 Company’s Overview Southwest Airlines is described on the NASDAQ profile as â€Å"a major passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the US†. The company primarily serves short-haul routes, but over the recent years they have expanded their services to medium and long-haul routes as well. Their unique feature is that it only operates with Boeing 737 as it is a domestic low cost carrier company and it was necessary to have aircrafts that are easy to maintain and repair. If a company only uses one type of aircraft, the technical issues are easy to minimize. It is important to mention that according to its annual report (2009), its low fare system and point-to-point service, despite the overall decline in the aviation industry in the 2009 recession; Southwest expanded by opening four new routes ( New York, Minneapolis, Boston and Milwaukee). Based on the most recent data available from the U. S. Department of Transportation, it was the largest air carrier in the United States (measured by the number of originating passengers boarded). Today, the company’s headquarter is in Dallas, Texas and employs 34,726 people. Based on the company’s NASDAQ profile and according to the annual report of Datamonitor, Southwest recorded revenues of $10,350 million during the financial year ending in December 2009, a decrease of 6. 1% compared to 2008. The operating profit of the company was $262 million during 2009, a decrease of 41. 6% compared to 2008. The net profit was $99 million in 2009, a decrease of 44. 4% compared to FY2008. Their New York Stock Exchange ticket is LUV, which is cleverly used also in their internal and external marketing as well, connecting it as an easy going way of saying LOVE. 3. 10 SWOT Analysis Strengths Applying Herb Kellehers unorthodox leadership style, which executes a different hierarchical framework to solve the customer problems more efficiently. Employees can ask for advice more flexibly because if necessary they can go around the direct superiors. * Unique features: â€Å"Bags fly free †promotion,â€Å" Ding desktop gadget for tickets and an â€Å"Online T ravel Guide Community† feature. * Providing point-to-point, and low cost service. Which results in the optimizing the key assets (aircraft, gates, and employees). * Specialâ€Å"In-Flight Entertainment† as product differentiation. * Saving maintenance expenses by using the same air carrier. Using SWABIZ a free online reservation tool specifically designed for business travellers. * Executing a remarkable fuel hedge strategy that saves the airline vast number of costs every year. Weaknesses * Not using the usual â€Å"Reserved Seating† and seat scaling of different classes. * Being dependent on a single manufacturer (Boeing) * Onlyon domestic market. Opportunities * Room for expansion still exists (national and international markets). * Rapid growth of Hispanic population could serve as the basis of a new marketing campaign targeting the Hispanic youth as their future target segment. Offering private flights designed for business travellers, Southwest could reach out to a very profitable segment. * Investing in technology could increase the company’s profitability by reducing costs or by offering more unique services. Threats * Satisfying the passengers’ demand of different classes without scattering the image. * Since the pilots’ average fly ing hours were above the industry’s hours and the flight attendants are cleaning the planes, employee dissatisfaction could increase and result in lower customer service. Constant updates on competitors’ online ticket reservation systems. * The economic phenomenon of fuel price fluctuation. * The security issues after 9/11. * The appearance of legal regulations that might impact the use of Boeing 737 (noise reduction policies etc. ) To correctly interpret the above data, it is important to realise that Southwest has much less weaknesses than strengths, both external and internal. In addition, if we carefully observe those weaknesses, they are actually the characteristic features of low cost carriers. Therefore, they are not considered as real weaknesses that could ultimately be solved in the future. Moreover, the unique fuel hedge strategy they have protects them from most external threats. The organizational culture they have developed protects them from most internal threats. 3. 11 External Analysis In case of the Airline industry, this is the most important force nowadays, since the market is completely oversupplied. However, Southwest has performed extremely well in recent years but the new low-cost entrants remain as potential threats. 3. 2 Organizational Structure The organizational structure of Southwest is a typical hierarchical structure – centralized and formal. According to Rivera et al. (2003), only the Executive Vice Presidents and top managers have the task of reporting directly to the CEO and they are also the ones who are responsible for making strategic decisions that are significant for the future of the organization. It seems that the CEO and top managem ent team trust the middle managers. Moreover, the top managers make themselves available to employees on the front line. Southwest has a „Loose tight design† (Buller 2006). Employees are encouraged to try new things because they have an informal job description. In addition, they are also given the freedom to innovate as long as they keep the necessary safety standards. They do what is necessary in order to satisfy the customer needs. Besides the customer awareness system the company provides â€Å"room to grow†. The top management team develops leadership and communication skills for lower level management, and 90% of supervisory positions are filled internally. Therefore, it follows both a mechanistic model and an organic model. The first model is used on the upper level (corporate office and cabin crew) and the organic model is used where safety and time is not of high priority. 3. 13 Hofstede’s Theory * Power distance: Employees have informal job descriptions and are encouraged to be innovative. We can say the less powerful members of the organisation accept that power is distributed unequally because they are satisfied how they are treated. * Uncertainty avoidance: It’s quite low because employees are not afraid of ambiguous situations. Roles are less written down than among other competitors. Employees use their image and knowledge. * Individualism: Team work is an essential requirement at Southwest. However, the evaluation of employees is based on individual performances (e. g. collecting compliment cards from passengers can result in promotions). * Masculinity: Southwest Airlines is a feminine company. Cooperation plays significant role; the atmosphere is friendly and the stress level is low. * Long-Term Oriented: They have a way of thinking and acting that it is better to move at a slow pace and do it well. The proof of that is the fact how many restrictions they had in the beginning yet made it to the level they are at today. 3. 14 Organizational Culture Southwest Airlines has a very team-oriented culture. They cross-train their employees so that when there is any need, they can help each other. Furthermore, the company emphasizes on the importance of intact work team. They have daily meetings twice a day („Morning overview meeting† and „Daily afternoon discussion†). In those meetings, they try to understand the problems and potential solutions as a team. Moreover, when the company hires people, one of the key characteristics that they look for is being a team player. If the candidate doesn’t fit those criteria, he/she is not hired. This is a great culture, as the interpersonal relationships in the company are much less tense and less competitive, which eventually creates a positive work atmosphere and employee loyalty to the company. Not only is there a good attitude among the employees, but also among the workers and their managers. Even though Service is not included in those dimensions, Southwest Airlines is very strong in that area too. This means that the employees are taught to serve the customers well (â€Å"The customer is the king†). Employees have the power to decide to solve issues with the customers – they decide on the right course of action as they have direct contact with the customers (Please see Appendix 2 for more details). 3. 15 Motivation Southwest Airlines is a perfect example of how the employees are motivated to such high degree that they „Luv† their job. The employees can come to work dressed in shorts, sneakers, and polo shirts. They’re encouraged to be positive and joke around (hence the name „Fun-in-the-sky airline†). The CEO, Herb Keller, believes that a company is stronger if it is bound by love, rather than fear. Southwest Airlines has become one of the most loved companies in the world and even their mission explains why – „Employees are our first customers†. It makes sense – if you treat the employees well, they treat the customers well. They send cards to all of their employees on their birthdays, anniversary of employment, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Furthermore, they have fun competitions held regularly (e. g. Halloween costume contest, Thanksgiving poem contest, an Annual Chilli Cook-off). They have also received awards for being the best for on-time performance and baggage handling and the least complaint receiving, which also motivates the employees. The employees are also rewarded and recognized if they have performed outstandingly. 4. Conclusion and Recommendations Alyssa 5. References 1. Southwest Airlines (Internet) Available from:†¹ http://www. southwest. com/about_swa/why_fly_southwest. html †º [Accessed on November 24. 2010] 1. Youtube (Internet) Available from: †¹http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=tnOxvbGOTbM †º [Accessed on November 24. 010] 2. Naylor, J. (2004), Management, Prentice Hall Financial Times, the United Kingdom 3. Bauer, T. amp; Erdogan, B. (2009) â€Å"Organizational Behaviour† Available from : †¹ http://www. flatworldknowledge. com/node/28971#web-28971†º [Accessed on November 24. 2010] 4. Nelson, B. (2002) â€Å"Motivation Matters : Southwest Employees LUV their job† Available from : †¹http://meetingsnet. com/corporatemeetingsincentives/meetings_motivation_matters_southwest/†º [Accessed on November 24. 2010] 5. Tatum, M. (2010) â€Å"What is SWOT Analysis? † Available from: lt;http://www. isegeek. com/what-is-swot-analysis. htmgt; [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 6. †˜May 2009 Airline Traffic Data: System Traffic Down from May 2008’ Available from: lt;http://www. bts. gov/press_releases/2009/bts039_09/pdf/bts039_09. pdfgt; [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 7. Southwest Airlines (2010) Available from: lt;http://www. southwest. comgt; [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 8. (2010) Southwest NASDAQ profile Available from: lt;http://quotes. nasdaq. com/asp/SummaryQuote. asp? symbol=LUVamp;selected=LUVgt; [Accessed on November 23. 010] 9. Southwest Annual Profile (2010) Available form: †¹http://www. datamonitor. com/store/Product/southwest_airlines_co? productid=DEFBDE99-9B78-4A63-BE9C-7EA7568D476E†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 10. Heynold, Y. and Rosander, J. (2006) â€Å"A new organizational model for airlines† Available from: †¹https://www. mckinseyquarterly. com/A_new_organizational_model_for_airlines_1700†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 11. Unknown Author, â€Å"The Airline Industry And Porter Five Model Forces † (2010) Available from: †¹http://www. oppapers. om/essays/Airline-Industry-Porter-Five-Model-Forces/122555†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 12. â€Å"Organizational Culture and Management at Southwest Airlines† (2009) Available from: †¹http://www. docstoc. com/docs/9480710/Organizational-Culture-and-Management-at-Southwest-Airlines†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 13. Brews, P. J. amp; Tucci, C. L. (2004), â€Å"Organizational Structure† Available from: †¹http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Airline-Industry-Porter-Five-Model-Forces/122555†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 6. Appendices Appendix 1: The Organization Culture Profile Appendix 2: Analysis of Southwest Airlines Essay Example Analysis of Southwest Airlines Essay Analysis of Southwest Airlines Module: Business Management Vanessa Eelma Alyssa Julianna Farkas Thomas Schillinger Peter Lukacs Attila Radvanszki Adam Radvanszki 29th November, 2010 Word Count : XXXX Contents 1. Introduction3 2. Literature Review4 2. 1General Introduction of Theories Used4 2. 2SWOT Analysis4 2. 3External Factors4 2. 4Organizational Structures4 2. 5Hofstede’s Theory5 2. 6Cultural Elements5 2. 7Motivation5 3Analysis of Southwest Airlines5 3. 1Industry5 3. 2Company’s Overview6 3. 3SWOT Analysis7 . 4External Analysis8 3. 5Organizational Structure8 3. 6Hofstede’s Theory9 3. 7Organizational Culture9 3. 8Motivation10 4. Conclusion and Recommendations11 5. References11 6. Appendices13 1. Introduction The chosen company for the analysis is called Southwest Airlines. It’s operating in the tourism industry, providing air travel. The company’s main differentiating attribute from its competitors is the main reason for our choice. The business is known for its cabin crew and outstanding customer service. This is proven by numerous prizes and awards that the company has won in the last three decades. In 2008, TIME. com ranked the company as the #1 Friendliest Airlines. According to their website their aim is: â€Å"To get the passengers to their destination safely and comfortably with a laugh or two along the way†. It is their attitude that caught our attention and encouraged us to analyze it in a deeper matter. The organization allows their employees to be innovative and individual with their daily tasks and duties. This ensures a pleasant work environment for the employees who then provide a good service to the customers. One of the qualities of Southwest airlines is „to do things differently†- meaning for example the explaining of safety regulations is made more entertaining by the cabin crew’s rapping while the customers are clapping along with the beat. A clip on Youtube of the described scenario got over 300  000 views and put the Southwest Airlines in the media light. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Southwest Airlines specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Southwest Airlines specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Southwest Airlines specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This shows how outstanding organizational thinking and great human relations in treating the employees as individuals and letting them contribute with innovation can create an authentically friendly image and trough that, differentiate from the competitors on the market and achieve success. We believe that Southwest Airlines is a very successful company in its industry, and will continue being it if the organization’s management sticks to this spirit and open minded way of thinking. 2. Literature Review 2. 1 General Introduction of Theories Used To strategically analyse an organization, there are certain analytical techniques that come in handy. Firstly, we have chosen the SWOT analysis to evaluate the internal and external components. More closely, we look into the details of the external factors to see how the business is affected by them. Secondly, we decided to get insights into the company’s structure and decision making process. Thirdly, we decided to analyse the cultural effects and factors through Hofstede’s theory. We also go into more details to comprehend the company’s national culture. Last but not least, we decided to see what kind of motivation systems are used in this company. 2. 2 SWOT Analysis According to Tatum (2010), the SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool that includes external and internal factors and is utilized by businesses and other organizations to ensure that there is a clear objective defined for the project or venture, and that all factors related to the effort positive and negative are identified and addressed. The process of SWOT involves four areas of consideration: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 2. External Factors External factors of a business organisation can be divided into two parts: Macro-environment and Micro-environment. Macro-environment factors are the SLEPT factors: Social, Legal, Economic, Political and Technological. These factors affect the decisions of the managers. Micro-environment factors are much less controllable. Certain industries are also affected by Porter’s â€Å"Five Forces† model (especially the air travel industry). 2. 4 Organizational Structures This refers to the way an organization arranges its employees and jobs in order to meet their goals. If the group is very small and there is active communication, a formal structure is often not necessary. However, if we are dealing with a larger organization, it is often harder to make decisions and therefore, there must be established procedure for tasks and responsibilities’ allocation. 2. 5 Hofstede’s Theory Hofstedes research gives us insights into other cultures so that we can be more effective when interacting with people in other countries. It includes areas, such as Power Distance, Masculinity, Individualism, Uncertainty Awareness, and Long-Term Orientation. . 6 Cultural Elements According to Bauer and Erdogan (2009), culture may not be immediately observable, identifying a set of values that might be used to describe an organization’s culture helps us identify, measure, and manage culture more effectively. The organization culture profile described by Bauer and Erdogan includes 7 main dimensions – innovative, aggressive, outcome-oriented, stable , people-oriented, team-oriented, and detail oriented ( (Please see the Appendix 1 for visual information). 2. 7 Motivation Motivation consists of internal and external factors that stimulate the desire and energy in people to be interested and committed to a job. They put persistent effort into their jobs in order to reach the goals. 2 Analysis of Southwest Airlines 3. 8 Industry The recent economical and financial downturn severely impacted the airline industry in 2009 and brought only small increases in 2010. The recession negatively influenced the discretional income of travellers. More precisely, the leisure travellers’ and business travellers’ budget changes resulted with a sudden decrease in their demand. Therefore, corporate policies tightened and generally the demand for travelling decreased. On the other hand, demand for substitute products, such as video conferences and surface travel, has increased. As a result, many airlines, including Southwest Airlines, responded with capacity cuts and fare discounting. On the other hand, Southwest used the opportunity also to further expand and because of its low-fare services, it could enter new markets as well. 3. 9 Company’s Overview Southwest Airlines is described on the NASDAQ profile as â€Å"a major passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the US†. The company primarily serves short-haul routes, but over the recent years they have expanded their services to medium and long-haul routes as well. Their unique feature is that it only operates with Boeing 737 as it is a domestic low cost carrier company and it was necessary to have aircrafts that are easy to maintain and repair. If a company only uses one type of aircraft, the technical issues are easy to minimize. It is important to mention that according to its annual report (2009), its low fare system and point-to-point service, despite the overall decline in the aviation industry in the 2009 recession; Southwest expanded by opening four new routes ( New York, Minneapolis, Boston and Milwaukee). Based on the most recent data available from the U. S. Department of Transportation, it was the largest air carrier in the United States (measured by the number of originating passengers boarded). Today, the company’s headquarter is in Dallas, Texas and employs 34,726 people. Based on the company’s NASDAQ profile and according to the annual report of Datamonitor, Southwest recorded revenues of $10,350 million during the financial year ending in December 2009, a decrease of 6. 1% compared to 2008. The operating profit of the company was $262 million during 2009, a decrease of 41. 6% compared to 2008. The net profit was $99 million in 2009, a decrease of 44. 4% compared to FY2008. Their New York Stock Exchange ticket is LUV, which is cleverly used also in their internal and external marketing as well, connecting it as an easy going way of saying LOVE. 3. 10 SWOT Analysis Strengths Applying Herb Kellehers unorthodox leadership style, which executes a different hierarchical framework to solve the customer problems more efficiently. Employees can ask for advice more flexibly because if necessary they can go around the direct superiors. * Unique features: â€Å"Bags fly free †promotion,â€Å" Ding desktop gadget for tickets and an â€Å"Online T ravel Guide Community† feature. * Providing point-to-point, and low cost service. Which results in the optimizing the key assets (aircraft, gates, and employees). * Specialâ€Å"In-Flight Entertainment† as product differentiation. * Saving maintenance expenses by using the same air carrier. Using SWABIZ a free online reservation tool specifically designed for business travellers. * Executing a remarkable fuel hedge strategy that saves the airline vast number of costs every year. Weaknesses * Not using the usual â€Å"Reserved Seating† and seat scaling of different classes. * Being dependent on a single manufacturer (Boeing) * Onlyon domestic market. Opportunities * Room for expansion still exists (national and international markets). * Rapid growth of Hispanic population could serve as the basis of a new marketing campaign targeting the Hispanic youth as their future target segment. Offering private flights designed for business travellers, Southwest could reach out to a very profitable segment. * Investing in technology could increase the company’s profitability by reducing costs or by offering more unique services. Threats * Satisfying the passengers’ demand of different classes without scattering the image. * Since the pilots’ average fly ing hours were above the industry’s hours and the flight attendants are cleaning the planes, employee dissatisfaction could increase and result in lower customer service. Constant updates on competitors’ online ticket reservation systems. * The economic phenomenon of fuel price fluctuation. * The security issues after 9/11. * The appearance of legal regulations that might impact the use of Boeing 737 (noise reduction policies etc. ) To correctly interpret the above data, it is important to realise that Southwest has much less weaknesses than strengths, both external and internal. In addition, if we carefully observe those weaknesses, they are actually the characteristic features of low cost carriers. Therefore, they are not considered as real weaknesses that could ultimately be solved in the future. Moreover, the unique fuel hedge strategy they have protects them from most external threats. The organizational culture they have developed protects them from most internal threats. 3. 11 External Analysis In case of the Airline industry, this is the most important force nowadays, since the market is completely oversupplied. However, Southwest has performed extremely well in recent years but the new low-cost entrants remain as potential threats. 3. 2 Organizational Structure The organizational structure of Southwest is a typical hierarchical structure – centralized and formal. According to Rivera et al. (2003), only the Executive Vice Presidents and top managers have the task of reporting directly to the CEO and they are also the ones who are responsible for making strategic decisions that are significant for the future of the organization. It seems that the CEO and top managem ent team trust the middle managers. Moreover, the top managers make themselves available to employees on the front line. Southwest has a „Loose tight design† (Buller 2006). Employees are encouraged to try new things because they have an informal job description. In addition, they are also given the freedom to innovate as long as they keep the necessary safety standards. They do what is necessary in order to satisfy the customer needs. Besides the customer awareness system the company provides â€Å"room to grow†. The top management team develops leadership and communication skills for lower level management, and 90% of supervisory positions are filled internally. Therefore, it follows both a mechanistic model and an organic model. The first model is used on the upper level (corporate office and cabin crew) and the organic model is used where safety and time is not of high priority. 3. 13 Hofstede’s Theory * Power distance: Employees have informal job descriptions and are encouraged to be innovative. We can say the less powerful members of the organisation accept that power is distributed unequally because they are satisfied how they are treated. * Uncertainty avoidance: It’s quite low because employees are not afraid of ambiguous situations. Roles are less written down than among other competitors. Employees use their image and knowledge. * Individualism: Team work is an essential requirement at Southwest. However, the evaluation of employees is based on individual performances (e. g. collecting compliment cards from passengers can result in promotions). * Masculinity: Southwest Airlines is a feminine company. Cooperation plays significant role; the atmosphere is friendly and the stress level is low. * Long-Term Oriented: They have a way of thinking and acting that it is better to move at a slow pace and do it well. The proof of that is the fact how many restrictions they had in the beginning yet made it to the level they are at today. 3. 14 Organizational Culture Southwest Airlines has a very team-oriented culture. They cross-train their employees so that when there is any need, they can help each other. Furthermore, the company emphasizes on the importance of intact work team. They have daily meetings twice a day („Morning overview meeting† and „Daily afternoon discussion†). In those meetings, they try to understand the problems and potential solutions as a team. Moreover, when the company hires people, one of the key characteristics that they look for is being a team player. If the candidate doesn’t fit those criteria, he/she is not hired. This is a great culture, as the interpersonal relationships in the company are much less tense and less competitive, which eventually creates a positive work atmosphere and employee loyalty to the company. Not only is there a good attitude among the employees, but also among the workers and their managers. Even though Service is not included in those dimensions, Southwest Airlines is very strong in that area too. This means that the employees are taught to serve the customers well (â€Å"The customer is the king†). Employees have the power to decide to solve issues with the customers – they decide on the right course of action as they have direct contact with the customers (Please see Appendix 2 for more details). 3. 15 Motivation Southwest Airlines is a perfect example of how the employees are motivated to such high degree that they „Luv† their job. The employees can come to work dressed in shorts, sneakers, and polo shirts. They’re encouraged to be positive and joke around (hence the name „Fun-in-the-sky airline†). The CEO, Herb Keller, believes that a company is stronger if it is bound by love, rather than fear. Southwest Airlines has become one of the most loved companies in the world and even their mission explains why – „Employees are our first customers†. It makes sense – if you treat the employees well, they treat the customers well. They send cards to all of their employees on their birthdays, anniversary of employment, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Furthermore, they have fun competitions held regularly (e. g. Halloween costume contest, Thanksgiving poem contest, an Annual Chilli Cook-off). They have also received awards for being the best for on-time performance and baggage handling and the least complaint receiving, which also motivates the employees. The employees are also rewarded and recognized if they have performed outstandingly. 4. Conclusion and Recommendations Alyssa 5. References 1. Southwest Airlines (Internet) Available from:†¹ http://www. southwest. com/about_swa/why_fly_southwest. html †º [Accessed on November 24. 2010] 1. Youtube (Internet) Available from: †¹http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=tnOxvbGOTbM †º [Accessed on November 24. 010] 2. Naylor, J. (2004), Management, Prentice Hall Financial Times, the United Kingdom 3. Bauer, T. amp; Erdogan, B. (2009) â€Å"Organizational Behaviour† Available from : †¹ http://www. flatworldknowledge. com/node/28971#web-28971†º [Accessed on November 24. 2010] 4. Nelson, B. (2002) â€Å"Motivation Matters : Southwest Employees LUV their job† Available from : †¹http://meetingsnet. com/corporatemeetingsincentives/meetings_motivation_matters_southwest/†º [Accessed on November 24. 2010] 5. Tatum, M. (2010) â€Å"What is SWOT Analysis? † Available from: lt;http://www. isegeek. com/what-is-swot-analysis. htmgt; [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 6. †˜May 2009 Airline Traffic Data: System Traffic Down from May 2008’ Available from: lt;http://www. bts. gov/press_releases/2009/bts039_09/pdf/bts039_09. pdfgt; [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 7. Southwest Airlines (2010) Available from: lt;http://www. southwest. comgt; [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 8. (2010) Southwest NASDAQ profile Available from: lt;http://quotes. nasdaq. com/asp/SummaryQuote. asp? symbol=LUVamp;selected=LUVgt; [Accessed on November 23. 010] 9. Southwest Annual Profile (2010) Available form: †¹http://www. datamonitor. com/store/Product/southwest_airlines_co? productid=DEFBDE99-9B78-4A63-BE9C-7EA7568D476E†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 10. Heynold, Y. and Rosander, J. (2006) â€Å"A new organizational model for airlines† Available from: †¹https://www. mckinseyquarterly. com/A_new_organizational_model_for_airlines_1700†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 11. Unknown Author, â€Å"The Airline Industry And Porter Five Model Forces † (2010) Available from: †¹http://www. oppapers. om/essays/Airline-Industry-Porter-Five-Model-Forces/122555†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 12. â€Å"Organizational Culture and Management at Southwest Airlines† (2009) Available from: †¹http://www. docstoc. com/docs/9480710/Organizational-Culture-and-Management-at-Southwest-Airlines†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 13. Brews, P. J. amp; Tucci, C. L. (2004), â€Å"Organizational Structure† Available from: †¹http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Airline-Industry-Porter-Five-Model-Forces/122555†º [Accessed on November 23. 2010] 6. Appendices Appendix 1: The Organization Culture Profile Appendix 2:

Eng 261 Spring 19 Professor Ramos Blog

Eng 261 Spring 19 Unit 1: 1865 1914

Criminal Justice Investigative Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Criminal Justice Investigative Plan - Essay Example 3. Usage of proper investigative plans-By utilizing proper investigative plans, the objective of an overall investigation as well as gathering all relevant information concerning a case can be collected upon. This proves to be very efficient in an investigation process (Peterson, 2013). 4. Expand the usage of critical thinking procedures-This aspect takes into concern the importance of analyzing a situation in-depth and also critically examining a situation to gather a fair idea about the future instances of a crime (Peterson, 2013). 5. Application of problem-solving methodologies-This step involves various processes that are implemented to solve a crime. This step may involve various methodologies that depend on the graveness of a particular crime. It generally involves various authorized professionals who perform the methodologies (Peterson, 2013). 6. Managing the case data thoroughly-It is considered to be a primary aspect as in this particular stage, all relevant data serves as e vidences for the conduct of a particular case or a crime event (Peterson, 2013). 7. Usage of data analysis techniques-This step involves full utilization of data that is collected. The data is utilized by way of performing proper analysis techniques that help in better execution of data in a precise and a formative manner (Peterson, 2013). 8. Developing an analytic case package for prosecution-By the development of an appropriate case package, a lot of clarity regarding the case will be ensured. In addition, it will also help in chalking out the major players involved in the case and proper inventory can be maintained regarding the analysis of the case documents (Peterson, 2013). 9. Recruiting trained officers-If officers who are already experienced in the field of preserving law and justice are engaged in solving a case, then it will definitely lead to an extra edge. It will also lead towards making the overall investigation plan strategy more comprehensive (Peterson, 2013). 10. Ex pansion of Crime Resistant programs-The crime resistant programs can be expanded by way of strengthening the rules as well as the regulations in the crime combating divisions. Also by way of ensuring deliverance of proper education regarding security and crime prohibition, massive improvements can be made at large (Peterson, 2013). Question 2 In order to conduct this particular operation i.e. dealing with the situation of multiple daytime robbery attacks, a huge portion of technological assistance would be needed by a certain degree. In this similar concern, firstly, a highly qualified team which could analyze the situation in a skillful manner would be employed. The team needs to be highly specialized in analyzing all the collected evidences so that the series of crimes can be judged accordingly for the purpose of deriving into relevant results. Along with the engagement of highly qualified individuals, proper technical infrastructure will definitely be required. These might includ e projectors and speakers that will be required while conducting meetings. In addition, all the entities associated with the operations are required to work as a collaborative unit. In order to ensure this aspect, they are to be to be provided with proper

Quality Safety And Cost As It Affects Nursing Essay

Quality Safety And Cost As It Affects Nursing - Essay Example Organizations that have been able to reorganize care delivery to be centered around the patient (where the responsibility of offering care is arranged around what the patients want and needs, as opposed to around the convenience of the organization together with its clinicians and staff) are accomplishing success in enhancing both efficiency and safety, and reducing cost. These organizations also realize that the loyalty of their workforce is rising, and their general organizational performance increases, with profitability benefits. I would demonstrate the importance of nurses in providing patient-centered care. It is important for the director and staff to realize that there should be a healthy clinical relationship between the nurses and patients. These relationships communicate caring, together with the emotional and social responsibilities of delivering care. This way the director and the staff can realize that nursing care can affect the quality of care and patient safety and t he cost. I recommend that social interactions between the nurses and patients are central to patient care should not recede with the advancement of technology. Emotional and social tasks of providing care should never take a back seat to the administrative and biomedical tasks of providing care. The potential nurse-patient relationship to improve the safety and cost-effectiveness of care delivery should never be overlooked in the discussions regarding the way to reform the health care system.

The influence of Gender and Alcohol Consumption Patterns on Alcohol Essay

The influence of Gender and Alcohol Consumption Patterns on Alcohol Expectancy amongst Undergraduate Students - Essay Example Its nearly impossible to study each and every single person's perceptions on the subject of alcohol prevalence rates, however, numbers and statistics are always an accurate tool for study. Many of the articles chosen to use for research include survey results, marketing opinions, college binge drinking studies, psychology related magazines and of course programs to cure alcohol related problems; such Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and social norms programs made by colleges to reduce and stop binge drinking. Fact, one in three eighteen to twenty-four year old persons admitted into emergency rooms for serious injuries are intoxicated. Fact, a twelve-ounce bottle of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a standard shot of eighty-proof liquor mixed or straight as well as a five ounce glass of wine. Fact, rates of binge drinking are increasing alarmingly. When alcohol and undergraduate students are near, they are contributing to the need for college anti-alcohol social programs, strict laws and regulations, and of course, serious and sometimes fatal injury. But, what is the major problem and why is it a problem Increasing rates of alcoholism on college campuses are creating a large number of negative consequences including long term brain damage, long term jail sentences, and extremely long term sleep; six feet under. The main contributing factors to the increasing rates of alcoholism are directly caused by ineffective laws and regulations and the superior power of manipulation from the multi-media. This paper will be divided into five sections; the first section will cover the laws and regulations made by Canadian and American governments, the second and most focused part of the paper, the marketing power of the mass media and its effects on the individual, the third section will discuss why current marketing strategies to lessen the rates of alcohol use are failing and will continue to fail, the fourth section will bring attention to many of the skewed statistics of alcohol studies and use real articles and statistics to strengthen this allegation, and the latter sections will deal with many of the internal and psychological factors that each individual faces before consumption of alcohol; here, research from psychology journals and magazines will be criticized and analyzed to make a rational an d proper conclusion of the previous discussions and arguments. Laws And Regulations Of Alcohol In most of the United States of America, patrons must be twenty-one years of age to purchase and consume alcohol, whereas in most of Canada, the age of consumption is nineteen, however, one strange fact is that at eighteen, Canadians are considered adults; that is, they are indeed permitted to vote, but not purchase or consume

Effect of the Traditional Practices on Modernization

Effect of the Traditional Practices on Modernization Effect Of The Traditional Practices On Modernization: Roaring Dragon Hotel (RDH) and Hotel International (HI) Executive Summary In this paper in working the proposal for smooth transition of organization from tradition workspace culture in case of Roaring Dragon Hotel (RDH) and Hotel International (HI). I will address major issues which effected the modernization of the one of the largest and famous hotel in southwestern china. (Grainger, 2008). Transition of the well establish and tradition organization from the routine style of the work culture is difficult and required well understanding of local sentiment and cultures, transition can successful when respect is paid to local work culture and making the people to realize need of the this transition and make transition working together. In case of RDH well established and well reputed hotel which had tradition and local custom kind of the work culture. When the HI tried to modernize RDH irrespective of the employee’s interest and without knowledge of the workflow of the hotel caused failure (Grainger, 2008). Introduction: Modernization of RDH The RDH is famous and one of the original three start hotel in southwest china is a state owned enterprise (SOE). Employees are working for long time with hotel and new employees are transferred from other SOE, by following guanxi connections. Work culture is grounded to more toward native work culture, with lazy managers, unorganized work manners, unprofessional employees. State government decide to modernize the hotel and they hired HI to implement the modernization (Grainger, 2008). Work environment was more relaxed and casual, with more benefits and less stressful workload compare to other organization, and more leisure time for worker to relax and even some manager are running private business by leaving the work place in mid of the shifts. With market economy slowly growing in china doesn’t concerned the RDH management in fading reputation and slowing profits, still management doesn’t want to practice new work culture, nor think how to improve hotel in growing competition. In 2000, Provisional government realizing the concern over RDH and declining the popularity and profit, decided to modernize the hotel and starting searching for well reputed and experienced international management for modernization of RDH. After deep research they decided the Hotel International is best choice for implementing this process. In 2001, after series of agreement they appointed HI to take over the management from 2002 (Grainger, 2008). . Background : Knowing market is Important China is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world, it is experiencing a great deal of change in the management style and organization culture (Yipeng, Woywode Yijun, 2012). Provisional government realizing this fact and concerned about the declining quality and profit, hoped that appoint international reputed and experiences HI can bring modernization in to RDH (Grainger, 2008). Paul Fortune GM of HI has appointed for implementing the modernization of the RDH, after taking up management from SOE in 2002 (Grainger, 2008). Problem: Making Connections Fortune realized in modernization of RDH involve massive change in the current work practices, educate the employees for regulated work environment, increase the professionalism in the workplace and takeout the irregularity in the employees day to day activities. Major change he proposed to sidetrack the guanxi hiring process by introducing two month training and hiring process and reducing the staff size as demolition of part of hotel decrease the serviced rooms in hotel which caused over staff (Grainger,2008). This actions without proper understanding the local traditions and belief had cause dissatisfaction among the employees caused in decrease in productivity from employees. Failed to retain longtime customers further decremented the profit caused the shortage of money (Grainger, 2008). In the transformation influenced by culture may cause the misinterpretation among the management and employees being with the organization long time and well incorporated in current organization culture (Yipeng, Woywode Yijun, 2012). Guanxi rooted deeply in to RDH, which in positive side increase the satisfaction rate in employees and kept trust in the organization. Guanxi â€Å"refers to personal ties between individuals as well as to an individual’s whole network of personal relationships† (Olwen Hwang, 2013). According to Bedford and Hwang guanxi play key role in career success, because it improve ability to maintain connection in and out of a circle which ultimately increase circle and contact with resources needed for development (p1). In case of the Guanxi this connection are ignored which broke the relationship factors (Grainger, 2008). Other factor which effect in this transformation is trust. While cutting down the resources, employees were mentioned about their termination after leaving the workplace, thinking they may steal the property of RDH in angry (Grainger, 2008). This broke the trust factor between the management and employees who are working trustfully for year with RDH. Opportunities: Future is important HI had started the implementing the modernization for change the status of the RDH with current reputation and putting it in to future economic market. It focused on the improving in long term prospective, it motive was exactly the RDH needed but failed to see the consequences while this implementation. It made strict work place but lacked the motivation (Grainger, 2008). It had seen the negative effect of the guanxi, but it forgot see the positive side. While the factor of globalization coming in to picture connection play major role in flow of knowledge the across which help in the growing not only one domain but in all the prospective domain (Xiaoying, 2013). If you consider case of guanxi in RDH if it had utilized in efficient way it would have increase the reputation of the RDH across the globe. Recommendation: Communication, Teamwork, Leadership Communication is key factor is any organization. When we come across cross culture migration like case study of the RDH, it is important that the continuous communication is establish between the low level and high employees, where in this case it is lacking. Poor communication creates a gap vacuum between the layers and cause the breakage in the flow (Malcolm Pegg, 2012). Utilizing the current guanxi process and building from the strong is important, in concept the guanxi builds strong relationship between the individual’s breaks the barrier in the teams and bring everyone in to one roof. Guanxi serves as median team building and access to other group with strong relationships â€Å"Guanxi should play a critical role in influencing team interaction processes and members’ effectiveness† (Chou, Cheng, Huang Hung-Yueh, 2006). Leadership is other factor which is lacking the RDH case. RDH lack proper leadership which is ready take up the responsibility, they took the things for granted. RDH required an authentic leadership who have â€Å"self-awareness, internal regulation, balanced information, authority, relational transparency† (Kinsler, 2014). A strong leader who can integrate his idea in to present system, able to express and pass the message strong across the organization and taking barrier away (Kinsler, 2014). Conclusion: Understanding Understanding the process is important part, making every one understand the process is challenge task and important task. HI need to understand the importance of the interpersonal connection and utilize them to benefit of the RDH rather than pushing out. As Guanix is rooted deep in to the Chinese culture it can’t be uprooted in a short span (Liu, Woywode Xing, 2012). HI need to incorporate the connection in and out circle. References: Bedford, O., Hwang, S. (2013). Building Relationships for Business in Taiwanese Hostess Clubs: the Psychological  and Social Processes of Guanxi Development.Gender, Work Organization,20(3), 297-310. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0432.2011.00576.x. Grainger, S. (2008). Roaring Dragon Hotel. Western Ontario, Canada: Ivey Publishing. Hill, M. L., Jones, P. (2012). Measures and Metrics Shape and Sustain a Cultural Change Initiative in a  Global Research Division.OD Practitioner,44(4), 34-41. Kinsler, L. (2014). Born to be mewho am I again? The development of Authentic Leadership  using Evidence-Based Leadership Coaching and Mindfulness. International Coaching Psychology Review, 9(1), 92-105. Li-Fang, C., Bor-Shiuan, C., Min-Ping, H., Hung-Yueh, C. (2006). Guanxi networks and members’ effectiveness in  Chinese work teams: Mediating effects of trust networks.Asian Journal Of Social Psychology,9(2), 79-95.  doi:10.1111/j.1467-839X.2006.00185.x Qi, X. (2013). Guanxi, social capital theory and beyond: toward a globalized social science Guanxi, social capital  theory and beyond: toward a globalized social science.British Journal Of Sociology,64(2), 308-324.  doi:10.1111/1468-4446.12019. Liu, Y., Woywode, M., Xing, Y. (2012). High technology start-up innovation and the role of guanxi : an explorative  study in China from an institutional perspective.Prometheus,30(2), 211-229. doi:10.1080/08109028.2012.661558

The American-European Culture Issues in Fitzgerald, Wharton, Faulkner and Hurston :: Fitzgerald Wharton Faulkner Hurston Essays

The American-European Culture Issues in Fitzgerald, Wharton, Faulkner and Hurston In both F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night and Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, the relationship between American culture and European culture is explored. By focusing on rocky relationships and love triangles, both authors are able to study the allegories of American and European life, and their effect on young lovers and their families. Although Tender is the Night and The Age of Innocence take place largely on separate continents, the ideas of human desire, aging and privilege are prevalent in both works. The characters in Wharton’s work are initially defined by their social status. Behind every one of their actions and interactions are the underlying themes of wealth, old money and the protocol of the affluent. Because of the influence of families like the Van Der Luydens, Archer is unable to pursue Ellen Olenska once he has become engaged to May Welland. His ultimate pursuit of happiness is limited as much by the people surrounding him as personal hesitance, and because of this Archer comes close to losing the American dream promised to him because of his bloodlines. Ultimately, Archer finds himself an unwanted visitor in Paris, a harbinger of pain and unfulfilled promises who can only wonder how his life could have been different. Though his life has fit the expectations of the American dream without Madame Olenska, it is the society he ascribes himself to that keeps Archer from realizing a different dream—to follow the forbidden love he develops for Olenska. Wharton shows the false construction of the American dream in the chapter in which Newland and May host their first dinner party. The couple has been trained to assume certain roles in the marriage. Because of their upbringing in such a deliberate and critical high society, the Newland Archers are expected to entertain guests with the same tradition and in the same manner as did their parents, and thus the dinner is revered as a milestone for the couple. â€Å"It was always an interesting occasion when a young pair launched their first invitations in the third person, and their summons was seldom refused even by the seasoned and sought-after† (328). The Archers’ ability to ignore the underlying problems they refrain from discussing in order to earn acceptance in the wealthy community speaks to the expectations and pressure placed upon them by their ancestors and friends.