Southwest Airlines Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Southwest Airlines Strategy - Essay Example Under the circumstances, the case is primarily concerned with how SWA manages to keep its HR strategy in synchronization with the business strategy of maintaining the fastest turnaround when the external pressures change. Â  Southwest Airlines has fought challenges since its inception and it exists despite the regulated and protected markets (Pfeffer, 2005). Initially, competitors tried to ensure that SWA was not allowed to fly at all but since this effort failed, there were restrictions imposed on SWA to fly out of Dallas-Fort Worth international airport. SWA was restricted to fly out of the newly-constructed Love Field. They were allowed only short-haul, point-to-point flights to close-in airports. SWA was not a member of any of the big computerized reservation systems, used no unique process technology, and was essentially a low-cost no-frills airline. Despite all these constraints and restrictions, the airline attained success which is primarily due to its highly motivated and productive workforce. They have fewer employees per aircraft, fly fewer passengers per employee and have more available seat miles per employee. Because of the highly motivated workforce, its turnaround time is much less c ompared to competitors which also enhances its productivity in terms of equipment utilization. SWA has achieved the Triple Crown (best on-time performance, fewest lost bags, and fewest passenger complaints—in the same month) nine time, which is a rare feat.