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
Ralph Hamers on leading banking’s biggest digital shift: why banks must be tech-forward and how AI could redefine financial advice.
Explore how authentic CEO messaging boosts trust on social media, with data showing genuine stories outperform polished, AI-generated posts.
Learn when to tighten or loosen operating models for resilience and growth, and how successful companies navigate these critical transitions.
Explore why social capital is a tangible asset for business resilience. IMD's Book Club reveals how trust drives growth, recruiting, and retention.
Discover how the long arc of leadership challenges short-term thinking, as 123 executives reveal a growing gap between values and rewards.
Explore how weak signals, geopolitical shifts, and climate strategy shape tomorrow’s leadership. Learn horizon scanning and scenario planning with Florence Gaub
In the AI era, culling entry-level roles threatens future leaders. Use this practical checklist to protect your entry-level leadership pipeline.
Discover how leaders can bridge the widening divide in a rewired world, emphasizing clarity, authenticity, and strategic communication amid societal shifts.
Advance inclusion metrics beyond visibility. Learn to distinguish genuine belonging from everyday self-editing and translation effects.
Discover how tech professionals can overcome leadership challenges, from managing human dynamics to strategic collaboration, in our expert guide.
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
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
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