A Christian Perspective in Mission and Vision
Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview
Introduction
Over the past years, organizations have streamlined their operations to align with ethical practices and promote conducive environments. Leadership is an important virtue that is crucial to ensure the sustainability of operations and cultivating social responsibility among staff and management personnel. Business ethics are foundational tenants of good working relations, which borrow from biblical teachings: the Christian worldview. Personal worldviews shape the Christian worldview as it influences the development of vision and mission statements and core values, creating an ideal organizational culture. Moreover, the Christian worldviews are anchored on biblical teachings, which provide for selflessness, service to others, serving a higher purpose, and enhancing ethical and moral values. This paper examines Southwest Airline’s commitment to the greater social good by examining the company’s mission and vision statements, relation to elements of a Christian worldview, and consistency of company practices.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Southwest Airline’s Mission and Vision
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 in Dallas, Texas. It differentiates itself from other airlines, being a low-cost commercial aviation company that prides itself in exemplary customer service across top leisure and business markets. Notably, the company’s best business practices are attributed to its well-defined mission and visions statements. Southwest Airlines’ mission statement is, “To be the world’s most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.” Similarly, its mission is, “Connect People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel” (“Purpose, Vision, and The Southwest Way,” 2021). The mission and vision statements provide a clear commitment to its customers, staff, and communities by providing affordable but reliable transportation. As a result, Southwest Airlines developed a company promise:(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
“Southwest will provide a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. 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 Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
The company also prides itself in a set of values based on three tenets: How I Show Up, How We Treat Each Other, and How Southwest Succeeds. Personal values include pride, integrity, and humility, while person-to-person values are teamwork, honesty, and service with LUV (Evans, 2019). Likewise, Southwest succeeds by utilizing the values of efficiency, discipline, and excellence. (Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Southwest Airline’s Commitment to the Greater Social Good
Southwest Airlines exhibits an extensive history of affordable and commercial aviation. Its clear mission and vision statements help it maintain an edge in the global aviation industry. These components base their operational efficiency, leadership, customer experiences, relations, and human resource management. Although mission statements present distinct information about a company, Southwest Airline’s mission statement centers on the high quality of air travel customer service and employee warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit (Evans, 2019). On the other hand, the vision statement anchors on a global scale of operations, high popularity among passengers, the best commercial aviation brand image, and high profitability in the airline industry. (Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
The mission statement defines an approach to customer relations and compares it with other airlines. The main focus is on company strengths and competencies, ensuring customers have the best experiences while staff members receive credit and get paid accordingly (Chishty-Mujahid, 2017). Likewise, the vision statement stresses airline operations, brand image, passenger well-being, and the airline industry in general. These aspects demonstrate the company’s commitment to the greater good locally and internationally.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Southwest Airline’s Commitment to the Greater Social Good in Relation to Elements of a Christian Worldview.
Christian worldviews are based on biblical teachings explaining why it is sometimes referred to as the biblical worldview. The ideas and beliefs cultivated from biblical teachings denote understanding the world and interactions between people. Individuals have personal worldviews influenced by education, culture, media, and social interactions, yet these elements build upon Christian values. Southwest Airlines is the only large low-cost airline that emphasizes recruitment and retention of motivated employees, exhibits flexible policies, and promotes a rewards and pricing program for continuous improvement (Cote, 2018). Notably, these components are definitive of servant leadership and service for others. Servant leadership is an aspect that is advocated for in biblical teachings and subsequently shapes the Christian worldview. Under Colleen Barrett’s leadership, a devout Christian, Southwest Airlines was not adversely affected by the 2001 financial crisis as employee needs were catered for (Klett, 2019). She was a strong advocate of servant leadership and at one point asserted, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Ever since, the company has committed to promoting the greater social good, which aligns with the Christian worldview.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Southwest Airline’s Consistency with a Christian Worldview
Southwest Airline’s practices are consistent with a Christian worldview as depicted in its mission and vision statements. The company promotes a culture of being selfless and providing service to others at an equal measure. In the “Our Company promise” section, the company states its commitment to employees and customers:(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
“Southwest will provide a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. 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 Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Biblical teachings assert that Christians should act following the values demonstrated by Jesus Christ. As a result, a Christian worldview is established. Similarly, Southwest Airlines has established core values based on its mission and vision statements to promote service to others through servant leadership. (Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
References
Chishty-Mujahid, N. (2017). Southwest Airlines’ successful economistic, cost-leadership strategy examined in light of Paul Lawrence’s renewed Darwinian theory: An analysis. Journal of Global Business Insights, 2(2), 115-123. doi: 10.5038/2640-6489.2.2.1024(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Cote, R. (2018). Leadership analysis: Southwest Airlines – Herb Kelleher, CEO. Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 15(1). doi: 10.33423/jlae.v15i1.635
Evans, L. (2019). Southwest Airlines Co.’s Mission Statement & Vision Statement (An Analysis) – Panmore Institute. Retrieved 2 July 2021, from http://panmore.com/southwest-airlines-vision-statement-mission-statement-analysis
Klett, L. (2019). Southwest Airlines: How faith, servant leadership of Colleen Barrett led to the company’s massive success. Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.christianpost.com/news/southwest-airlines-how-faith-servant-leadership-of-colleen-barrett-led-to-companys-massive-success.html(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
Purpose, Vision, and The Southwest Way. (2021). Retrieved 2 July 2021, from https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/our-company/purpose-vision-and-the-southwest-way
FAQs
What is the philosophy of Southwest Airlines customer service?
The philosophy of Southwest Airlines’ customer service revolves around a commitment to the “Golden Rule” principle: treating customers how they would like to be treated. This approach emphasizes empathy, friendliness, and a personal touch in interactions. The airline aims to provide a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience by fostering a positive company culture, encouraging employee autonomy, and valuing open communication. By prioritizing customer needs and employee satisfaction, Southwest aims to create lasting relationships and exceed passenger expectations.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
What are the core values of Southwest Airlines?
The core values of Southwest Airlines are built on a foundation of a warrior spirit, servant’s heart, and fun-loving attitude. The warrior spirit emphasizes the company’s determination, resilience, and passion to face challenges head-on. The servant’s heart highlights their commitment to exceptional customer service and caring for passengers and employees alike. The fun-loving attitude represents their lighthearted and enthusiastic approach to work, fostering a positive and engaging environment for both employees and passengers.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
What is the philosophy of Southwest Airlines?
The philosophy of Southwest Airlines revolves around a commitment to offering low-cost, customer-centric air travel with a focus on simplicity, efficiency, and a strong corporate culture. The company emphasizes the importance of treating both employees and customers with warmth and respect, promoting a fun and friendly atmosphere. Southwest’s core values include providing reliable and affordable services while maintaining a positive and inclusive working environment, fostering a sense of teamwork and dedication among its employees.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
What does swa mission statement say about its culture and its ability to maintain its culture?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I don’t have access to specific real-time information about the latest mission statements of companies. However, Southwest Airlines (SWA) has historically been known for emphasizing a unique corporate culture centered around employees and customers. Their culture often emphasizes values like a fun and friendly atmosphere, a commitment to excellent customer service, and a focus on teamwork and innovation. If you’re looking for the most current and accurate information about SWA’s mission statement and cultural values, I recommend visiting their official website or reviewing recent company publications.(Southwest Airline Commitment to the Greater Social Good With a Christian Worldview)
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