Business leadership in the digital age: IKEA’s story in the retail and consumer sector

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the digital leadership strategies, methods, and technological emphasis that contribute to IKEA’s successes in its digital leadership journey. The study utilized a qualitative case study methodology, drawing upon published sources such as recorded interviews, documentaries, retail and consumer industry observations, and relevant literature on IKEA and the retail and consumer business. Findings demonstrate several strategic orientations, philosophies, and tactics employed by IKEA to achieve digital leadership excellence. A comparative analysis of digital leadership between IKEA and some global R&C businesses reveals IKEA’s strategic uniqueness in digitalization. The research concludes by proposing a process model that identifies several factors, including networking, customer understanding, marketing strategies, talented HR specialists, and smart technologies for operations. By applying change management theories, manufacturing theories, and innovation theories, these factors can potentially contribute to achieving success in digital leadership. The study tries to triangulate digital leadership strategies, management thoughts, and R&C business operations.

Keywords

• Digital leadership
• Qualitative case research
• Retail and consumer business
• IKEA