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The Merger of Airtran by Southwest Airlines: Will the Organizational Cultures Merge?

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1. Discuss the layers of culture that are evident in this case
Information systems development: AirTran uses Navitaire as reservations system vendor while Southwest uses Sabre to better accommodates international flights. Also, AirTran uses online travel agencies for ticket distribution while Southwest sells its tickets via telephone and its website.

Management and strategy: Southwest airlines have a different approach in managing and training its employees. Also Southwest culture focuses on employees and customers having a good time while flying. AirTran believes in lower- fare to attract customers and sells its tickets on various distribution agencies.

2.What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the cultures, values and beliefs of the Southwest and AirTran airlines?
Southwest cultural values are “ A warrior Spirit, A Servant’s Heart, A Fun- Luving Attitude” (Pearlson, pg.97). Southwest Corporate culture focuses on employees and customers having a good time while flying. Also, Southwest uses a ticker LUV symbol and use different ways to show they “LUV” their customers. On the other hand, AirTran culture before the merger is “ loyal crew members keep AirTran airways customers soaring” and its values is total commitment to safety, technical excellence, continuous learning, fun and profit (Pearlson, pg.97). The similarities are that both airlines believe in making profit while making customers happy when boarded. However, Southwest wants everyone onboard including the crews to have fun unlike AirTran. Also, Southwest goes through extensive interviews and training of its employees and the “business model is built on particular approach to managing employees”. AirTran doesn’t follow the same approach with Southwest in managing employees.

3. What problems could arise due to the different perspectives of both airlines towards online

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