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Communication in a Strong Organizational Culture

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Southwest Airlines is one of the most successful companies today. It has a strong and positive workplace culture that promotes open communication, teamwork, and excellent customer service. Its mission statement states that the company is “committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer” (Southwest Airlines, 1988). In his greeting on the company’s website, Gary Kelly, Chairman, President, and CEO of the organization writes that this is what differentiates Southwest from other airlines, and is the major reason for his company’s success. He states that Southwest is defined by its culture, not by its business plan; therefore the attention to the culture must always be maintained (Kelly, 2011). He then continues (2011), “Strong culture is the responsibility of every employee, no matter his or her work title. Culture needs support from Leadership and the Frontline Employees. Without both, it will surely wither” (para. 2). The culture at Southwest Airlines is maintained by “system wide Culture Committee, which comprises representatives from each major work location. They meet quarterly to share ideas on how to keep [the] Culture vibrant and strong” (Kelly, 2011). Also the company relies on a variety of events, such as award banquets, anniversary parties, or holiday parties, to foster teambuilding and team spirit (Chapman, 2005).
Culture represents a common perception the organization’s members hold. It is shared by individuals at different levels. This is the reason why it makes for such a powerful tool for guiding and

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