Comparison of Northwest Airlines and American Airlines Essay -- Aviati

Comparison of Northwest Airlines and American Airlines Globalization Globalization can be defined as â€Å"making worldwide in scope or application†(1). In this comparison of the global corporate culture of Northwest Airlines and American Airlines several areas will be addressed. The strength of the global culture with-in the companies. The fit of the company to the global marketplace, and the adaptive ness or the empowerment of the employees will be examined and compared. Perhaps more important, than whether they currently have a global atmosphere, is whether they can improve or create this atmosphere. A comparison between the two airlines will be made on their mission statements, information dissemination, global-mindedness, career paths, and the use of cultural differences as an asset and if a worldwide training system is in place. A conclusion will then be made as to which corporation has the best organizational composition to compete in the global market. The strength of Northwest and Americans’ global culture can be compared by evaluating how well they â€Å"facilitate performance†(2,546). Both of the corporation’s employees, it may be argued, have the common goal of wanting their company to expand and continue to grow in the global market. It could also be argued that the companies differ, in significant ways, when it comes to the motivating effect this common goal has. Northwest seems to be better motivated in obtaining this goal. Examples of this motivated corporate culture are illustrated by the fact that they were â€Å"pioneers in global alliances†(3) and in the fact that they have committed major investments, in the form of hub cities, in both Tokyo and Amsterdam. American, on the other hand, does not seem to be as motivated by the goal of expansion in the global market. Although they have alliances with several international carriers, the number of alliances is not as large as Northwestâ€⠄¢s. The recent acquisition of TWA, by American (4), may help to expand their global culture, due to the greater foothold this acquired asset has in the global market. In addition the financial investment that Northwest has shown in the global market is lacking in American. The only hub, questionably, outside of the U.S. is in San Juan, Puerto Rico (4). American seems to concentrate its strength inside the U.S., which may have a stifling effect on globaliza... ...y increases, all of which are received positively by employees. Whenever possible, managers should select technology that increases workers’ skill requirements. Providing effective training about ways to use the new technology is essential. Training helps employees perceive that they control the technology rather than being controlled by it. The training should be designed to match workers’ needs, and it should increase the workers’ sense of mastery of the new technology. Mangers face a substantial challenge in leading organizations to adopt new technologies more humanely and effectively. Technological changes are essential for earnings growth and for expanded employment opportunities. The adoption of new technologies is critical determinant of American and Northwest Airlines in the global marketplace. Works Cited 1. Merriam - Webster Dictionary. www. M-W.com . ‘Globalization’ 2. Debra L. Nelson & James Campbell Quick. (2003). Organizational Behavior, Fourth Edition. Thomson. Pages 539 - 559 3. Northwest Airlines. www. NWA.com . Company Overview 4. American Airlines . www. AMRcorp.com . AMR Corporate Information