Subject category:
Entrepreneurship
Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Version: 22 July 1996
Length: 20 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
Traces the development of a Swedish furniture retailer under the leadership of an innovative and unconventional entrepreneur whose approaches redefine the nature and structure of the industry. Traces IKEA's growth from a tiny mail order business to the world's largest furniture dealership. Describes the innovative strategic and organizational changes Kamprad made to achieve success. In particular, focuses on his unique vision and values and the way they have become institutionalized as IKEA's binding corporate culture. The trigger issue revolves around whether this vital 'corporate glue' can survive massive expansion into the United States and the Eastern Bloc and Kamprad's replacement as CEO by a 'professional manager'.
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 1989.Geographical setting
Region:
Europe
Countries:
Sweden; Switzerland
Featured company
IKEA
Turnover:
USD 2.5Billion
Industry:
Retail trade; Furniture
Featured protagonist
- Ingvar Kamprad (male), Founder
About
Abstract
Traces the development of a Swedish furniture retailer under the leadership of an innovative and unconventional entrepreneur whose approaches redefine the nature and structure of the industry. Traces IKEA's growth from a tiny mail order business to the world's largest furniture dealership. Describes the innovative strategic and organizational changes Kamprad made to achieve success. In particular, focuses on his unique vision and values and the way they have become institutionalized as IKEA's binding corporate culture. The trigger issue revolves around whether this vital 'corporate glue' can survive massive expansion into the United States and the Eastern Bloc and Kamprad's replacement as CEO by a 'professional manager'.
Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 1989.Geographical setting
Region:
Europe
Countries:
Sweden; Switzerland
Featured company
IKEA
Turnover:
USD 2.5Billion
Industry:
Retail trade; Furniture
Featured protagonist
- Ingvar Kamprad (male), Founder