President's messageCan you do business while being a good business?
The role of business is changing. To provide jobs, create profits and pay taxes is no longer enough. Both our customers and co-workers expect more from us. They expect us also to take an active role in influencing social and environmental issues wherever we are present. An often asked question is – is it possible to make traditional business objectives and social and environmental responsibility work together for the benefit of all stakeholders? Or is there a conflict between the two?
We believe they can work very well together. Done in a sensible way, social and environmental work is good for business. It is good for business because our customers will feel reassured that they are doing business with a company that shares their views and values. And it is good for business because it can also support cost efficiency. Using resources and raw material efficiently, saving energy, improving working conditions at our suppliers and through that getting more motivated people, will have a positive effect on costs and therefore support our business objectives.
Being successful with social and environmental work is not an easy thing. It takes a dedicated organization. It takes clear goals, strategies, time plans and responsibilities. And above all, it takes a vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. We have a business idea based on low prices and cost-efficiency. And we have values that support a humble, cost conscious and humanistic way of behaving. All this is a real strength in our work with social and environmental responsibility.
We realize that we are only in the beginning, and we have a long way to go before our work is a natural integrated part of our day to day business.
Anders Dahlvig
President of the IKEA Group 
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