Crafting Organizational Culture: ‘Getting the Boss to Work for You’

Abstract

This case study explores the organizational culture of a privately held company, Service Express, Inc. (SEI), headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, providing customers with onsite data maintenance service for mission-critical servers. As of January 2013, it had 250 employees located in 24 regional offices in the Midwest and Southeast, generating revenues of around $50 million. SEI’s vision is to help its employees achieve their personal, professional and financial goals. The company takes the position that culture drives performance; in particular, the case details how SEI crafts its culture for a superior organizational performance; it explores various aspects (e.g., service-centric focus, servant leadership) that drive this organization’s culture. It draws reader’s attention to the notion that organizational performance (including profit) is a lagging indicator, while organizational culture is the leading indicator of organizational success.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Resources

Appendix A: Employee Turnover

Figure

Source: From Kraig Harper, CFO, SEI.

Appendix B: Revenue and Employee Growth & Geographic Expansion

Figure

Source: From Kraig Harper, CFO, SEI.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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