Fight or flight? Ryanair, Southwest Airlines and post‐merger US Airways and America West

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Analogies with battles and warfare pepper management literature, they pepper the talk of boardrooms, they reflect a certain macho cultural sentiment. It is tempting to think that it is merely being espoused by the same boys and girls who, now grown up, are getting back in touch with their masculine side having dodged the draft or looked on in bewilderment as friends signed up for Queen and country ‐ or the good of the motherland or fatherland. Sometimes it rankles.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2007), "Fight or flight? Ryanair, Southwest Airlines and post‐merger US Airways and America West", Strategic Direction, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 12-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540710716536