Reference no: EM133620408

Problem

Case: Southwest Airlines in 2020: Culture, Values, and Operating Practices

I. What grade would you give Southwest management for the job it has done in crafting the company's strategy? What is it that you like or dislike about the strategy? Does Southwest have a winning strategy?

II. What are the key policies, procedures, operating practices, and core values underlying Southwest's efforts to implement and execute its low-cost/no-frills strategy?

III. What are the key elements of Southwest's culture? Is Southwest a strong culture company? Why or why not? What problems do you foresee that Gary Kelly has in sustaining the culture now that Herb Kelleher, the company's long-time spiritual leader, has departed?

IV. What grade would you give Southwest management for the job it has done in implementing and executing the company's strategy? Which of Southwest's strategy execution approaches and operating practices do you believe have been most crucial in accounting for the success that Southwest has enjoyed in executing its strategy? Are there any policies, procedures, and operating approaches at Southwest that you disapprove of or that are not working well?

V. What weaknesses or problems do you see at Southwest Airlines?

VI. What recommendations would you give to Gary Kelly and Southwest executives as the company heads towards the end of 2020? Is there evidence that the company's strategy and operating practices will allow it to survive the impact of COVID-19 on the airline industry? Explain.