IKEA culture and values
The IKEA key values: Togetherness, Caring for people and planet, Cost-consciousness, Simplicity, Renew and improve, Different with a meaning, Give and take responsibility, Lead by example
The IKEA key values: Togetherness, Caring for people and planet, Cost-consciousness, Simplicity, Renew and improve, Different with a meaning, Give and take responsibility, Lead by example
Our common values have their roots in the Småland region of Sweden, where Ingvar Kamprad was born and grew up. Småland is characterised by a stony and rather rugged landscape where the inhabitants were often forced to get by on small means and make use of the scarce resources at their disposal. Consequently, Smålanders have a reputation for being thrifty and innovative with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to problem solving in general and business challenges in particular. This “Småland legacy” is built into the IKEA culture and values and can be seen in action all over the world wherever IKEA operates.
In the practical business world of today this means that our values encourage a constant desire for renewal and improvement, and a cost-conscious mindset in all areas of operations, from design and material sourcing to production and distribution. They also imply a willingness of all co-workers to give and take responsibility, and to dare to be different with a meaning. We encourage decision-making in all parts of an organisation. Making decisions sometimes leads to mistakes and this is okey. The fear of making mistakes is the root of bureaucracy and the enemy of development.
Humbleness in how we approach our tasks and simplicity in the way we do things are also cornerstones of the IKEA culture.
Our vision and business idea mean we always take a long-term perspective in business and believe in sustainability and responsibility. We care for people and the planet. Our values and Småland legacy guide us to make the best possible use of the limited resources available in order to live up to these goals.
The IKEA spirit thrives on the belief that no method is more effective than a good example. We believe that each co-worker is important, and that it is by working together (tillsammans in Swedish) that we really make a difference.
The IKEA values have proven to be applicable 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, we can continue to turn future challenges into opportunities. As Ingvar Kamprad always said: “Most things still remain to be done. A glorious future!”