MGMT5320 – Organizational Behavior and Theory

Group Case Study: Southwest Airlines

After reading the Southwest Airlines (A) case from the HBSP course pack and going through the
lecture PPT, please answer the following questions. You are expected to conduct the discussion
in the discussion board under your group link for each question. You may post either an original
response to the questions or a substantive response to one of your group member’s posts. You
must respond in some manner to all case study questions posed. All groups will receive the
same questions. Once the group has decided upon an answer for each question, and the case
study document is finalized for the group, each group member will submit the case study
answer document through the Blackboard assignment portal.

A note about online discussions: Discussions require the back-and-forth exchange of facts,
experiences and opinions. These should be treated as “conversations” about the cases. As such,
the starting grade for this assignment will be dependent upon the quality of answer given by
the group. Your grade may be lowered compared to the group, if you did not participate as
required.

Questions to Answer:
1) How would you describe the culture of SWA?

2) Using Cameron & Quinn’s model of organizational culture, how would you classify
the SWA culture?

3) SWA Mission Statement: The Mission of SWA is dedication to the highest quality of
Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and
Company Spirit. What does SWA mission statement say about its culture and its ability
to maintain its culture?

4) In light of some if their recent PR problems and new challenges, can SWA maintain its
culture as they continue to grow and expand? Explain…

5) In light of some if their recent PR problems and new challenges, can SWA maintain its
competitive advantage? Explain…