Sheng Siong Supermarket in Singapore: A unique values-based advantage?
Founded by Lim Hock Chee in 1985, Sheng Siong has evolved from a humble grocery store into a leading supermarket chain in Singapore, renowned for its cost-effective pricing and commitment to customer satisfaction. Mr Lim’s unique philosophy, which emphasizes self-cultivation, perseverance and positivity, has been instrumental in shaping Sheng Siong’s culture and driving its success. Under his guidance, Sheng Siong has grown to over 74 stores, expanded into China and embraced digital innovation while staying true to its heartland roots. However, with evolving consumer behavior and increasing competition from online platforms, Sheng Siong faces new challenges. Can Mr Lim’s philosophy continue to inspire innovation and guide Sheng Siong toward sustained growth and success in the future?
- Examine the link between founders’ values and company practices: By closely looking at the case, participants will see how the founders’ personal beliefs have become part of the company’s way of doing things.
- Understand the benefits of a values-based culture: Participants will see how the company’s culture, built on the founders’ values, gives it a special advantage.
- Assess the risks of relying too much on founders’ values: Although the founders’ values have helped the company thrive, participants will also explore the dangers of depending too heavily on just one set of values.
- Recognize the special strengths of family businesses: By comparing the case study with non-family businesses, participants will obtain a clear picture of the unique benefits family-owned companies enjoy.
Sheng Siong Group, Consumer Services, Retail
1985-2023
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
The Beckham family feud highlights how family business succession can unravel under pressure, revealing lessons in legacy, conflict, and continuity.
Discover how shifting from superhero leadership to authentic guidance can elevate team motivation and prevent burnout, with Qi Zhang's expert advice.
No matter the shape and form of dialogue, the way we listen is one of the simplest acts of connection, yet one of the hardest to master.
Discover how the bedrock of success in leadership is responsibility and daily discipline.
Executive coaches identify recurring traps for decision-making including problem framing, identifying options, and who should make the decision, and outline fixes to avoid them
Becoming a leader for the first time can be isolating. Here’s what the management playbooks don’t tell you, and some advice on dealing with the new dynamic.
Becoming a leader for the first time can be isolating. Here’s what the management playbooks don’t tell you, and some advice on dealing with the new dynamic.
Uncover key techniques for managing neurodivergent individuals at work, aligning expectations with diverse cognitive styles for better collaboration.
Why fewer than 5% of ventures scale: how interpretive capacity, not capital, enables startups to turn signals into sustained growth.
Discover essential tips on how to be a good mentor, focusing on listening, asking questions, and supporting growth without giving direct advice.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications