You are on page 1of 5

Running head: A TALE OF TWO CULTURES CASE ANALYSIS

A Tale of Two Cultures Case Analysis


Name
Institution

A TALE OF TWO CULTURES CASE ANALYSIS

A Tale of Two Cultures Case Analysis


Discussion Question 1
There are numerous reasons why Southwest Airlines and Value Lines cultures differ
so sharply and they are all pegged on the organizational cultures that their CEOs
implemented. It is evident from the case analysis that Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines
CEO was able to develop and implement an exemplary culture, which has enabled the
company to achieve high international standards. Hence, Herb developed noble instrumental
and terminal values within its culture, which have ensured that Southwest employees and
managers alike are committed fully to the organizations success. These employees and
managers assist each other using all means possible to ensure that they offer their customers
excellent service, which is a terminal value according to Southwests culture. Subsequently,
Southwest managers work as flight attendants, ticket agents, and baggage handlers four times
in a year, which offers them a feeling of the challenges that other employees experience.
In addition, within Southwests culture, an informal custom makes it possible for
employees to have a gathering with Herb every Friday at midday in the firms Dallas parking
lot mainly for a company cookout. This provides an opportunity to meet and socialize with
the companys CEO, which boosts the employees morale and makes them believe in the
firms vision of providing a high quality and low-cost service. Besides, Southwests culture
has ensured that it keeps its organization informal and flat as possible which eliminates many
hierarchies. Managers also encourage their employees to be creative, as well as develop
norms and rules to solve their individual problems.
On the same note, Southwests culture ensures that its employees engage in fun
activities, which are interesting, entertaining, and exciting to its customers such as dressing
up in special attires during Valentine and Halloweens Day. Every Friday, the employees wear
fun uniforms that entertaining in order please its customers. The company also tries to

A TALE OF TWO CULTURES CASE ANALYSIS

develop various innovative ways to improve customers satisfaction and service. The
employees also take part in a bonus system, which bases rewards mainly on the companys
performance and the employees own over 22% of the airlines stock. Hence, Southwests
culture has enabled it increase its profitability and operating routes.
In contrast, Value lines culture that Jean Buttner implemented is evidently
demotivating and demoralizing to its employees since many of them have resigned even after
suggesting various ways to change the situation. Hence, Buttner implemented a culture that
was created on instrumental values of economy and frugality, which was very strict to its
employees. This poisoned the attitudes of the employees towards the organization. In essence,
this culture has created a situation where there is no culture of cooperation between the
employees and managers, which is counter-productive.
Discussion Question 2
It is advisable that Value Lines next CEO should copy Southwests culture since it
has proved to be very successful and can steer the companys status to international levels.
Thus, Value Lines next CEO should ensure that he/she conducts a study about Southwest
Airlines and learn some concepts which can be applied to his/her company. Value Line needs
a paradigm shift so that can reverse its present status, which is not assisting the company to
achieve its vision and mission.
On the same note, Value Lines next CEO should learn that a companys culture is
integral since it acts as a blueprint and guidance to the employees and the managers. Hence, it
establishes a particular manner of behavior and attitude that all the employees in the
organization should follow and this influences the manner in which they handle and treat the
customers. Ideally, a companys culture is important because an exemplary culture can
motivate the employees and increase its profitability.

A TALE OF TWO CULTURES CASE ANALYSIS

In practice, Value Lines next CEO should strategize on how to develop and
implement an acceptable organizational culture, which he/she can incorporate with
Southwests culture. This will enable the CEO to come up with a more superior culture than
that of Southwest and this will enable the company to grow and achieve remarkable success.
In essence, there is room for change for Value Line for as long as the next CEO implements a
favorable and acceptable culture since this will enable the company to attain high standards in
national and international status.

A TALE OF TWO CULTURES CASE ANALYSIS

Reference
Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. New York, NY: John Wiley &
Sons.

You might also like