The values and culture of Inter IKEA Group reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder Ingvar Kamprad. Our values have its roots in the Småland region of Sweden, where Ingvar Kamprad was born and grew up. It is a stony and rather rugged landscape where the inhabitants often were forced to get by on small means and make use of the scarce resources at their disposal. Smålanders have a reputation for being thrifty and innovative with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving in general and to business challenges in particular. This ‘Småland legacy’ is built into the IKEA culture and values, all over the world.
In the practical business world of today this means that IKEA values encourage a constant desire for renewal and a willingness to make changes, as well as a cost-conscious mindset applied in all areas of operations. They also imply a willingness to try solutions other than the conventional ones and daring to be different while maintaining practical connections with the day-to-day activities. Humbleness in approaching our task and simplicity in our way of doing things are also cornerstones in the IKEA culture.
The IKEA spirit is based on a belief that no method is more effective than a good example. We believe that each co-worker is important, that all of us have a responsibility, and that it is by working ‘together’, tillsammans in Swedish, that we really make a difference.
The IKEA values have proven to be viable in an international context and we strongly believe that they are one of the most important factors behind our achievements. By keeping them alive and well-rooted, it will help us continue to turn future challenges into opportunities.
Most things still remain to be done.