Southwest Airlines: A Corporate Cultural AssessmentSouthwest Airlines (Southwest) is a US national airline providing short-haul, high-frequency, point-to-point, low-fare service to and for from 60 airports in 59 cities in 31 US states. From humble beginnings in 1971, this airline with just four passengers per flight and stewardesses wearing hot pants and white go-go boots, has evolved into an airline industry leader with unsurpassed employee loyalty. Southwest's unique and relaxed corporate culture has created a highly successful airline business that has been profitable for 30 consecutive years. This document will examine the corporate culture of Southwest Airlines and its impact on the success of the company.Formal Statements of SouthwestSouthwest is committed to providing customer service as evident in the mission statement: "The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedicated to the highest quality of service provided customers with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride and corporate spirit" (Southwest.com/about, 2005). According to the Department of Transportation, the airline has the best cumulative record of consumer satisfaction in the airline industry. Southwest makes meeting customer expectations a priority; realize that travelers have several options when choosing an airline. Southwest's philosophy is that they are in the customer service business, providing air transportation. Southwest has written a Customer Service Commitment, which is an official contract of carriage. The Customer Service Commitment outlines Southwest's commitment to "provide safe, convenient, reliable, timely, courteous and efficient air transportation and baggage handling service on every flight we operate..." (Southwest.com/about ). Work Environment Southwest's work environment is a casual culture with motivated and energetic employees. On board, flight attendants often joke with passengers and may improvise their own announcements. They were even found hidden in luggage compartments to surprise passengers. The planes are all Boeing 737s, and Southwest is updating the planes' interiors this year. The working environment outside the aircraft is just as informal and positive as inside. According to CEO Gary Kelly, the goal is fun and informality. The atmosphere is friendly and everyone speaks by name. There are several team building activities and exercises to promote teamwork. Meetings are used as a means to communicate company objectives and motivate employees (Chapman, 2005). At corporate headquarters in Dallas, it will be more common to receive a hug than a handshake. The dress code is casual; if someone is seen in a suit and tie, that person is probably a visitor.