StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Competitive Advantage of IKEA - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The author of the current paper "Competitive Advantage of IKEA" tells that in his\her organization, a collaboration between individuals who are employed in different divisions is policed, due to the traditional, hierarchical systems that still exist…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.8% of users find it useful
Competitive Advantage of IKEA
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Competitive Advantage of IKEA"

Organizations Organizational boundaries may be equated to imaginary lines that are drawn in order to set an organization apart from its surrounding environment, and such boundaries also help to set out how the internal organizational roles are related to each other and separate at the same time (Wilden, 1980). In my organization, collaboration between individuals who are employed in different divisions is policed, due to the traditional, hierarchical systems that still exist. For example, if one individual wants to directly collaborate with an individual working in a different division, the permission of both supervisors must first be sought, in order to maintain an effective line of control and only after the two supervisors agree on the collaboration, the respective team members can collaborate with each other. The argument offered in support of this position is that information may sometimes need to be kept confidential within a particular division or group, which justifies such policing. If I was the CEO of this organization, I would apply a different set of rules to such collaborations between individuals performing different organizational roles. I would utilize the tools provided by software such as wikis, to set up online areas where users can collaborate with others across the organization and modify information on websites for use by others. In this way, there is scope provided for free exchange of information and collaboration within the organization, so that the existing organizational boundaries between divisions are dissolved automatically. In the present day framework, effective communication within an organization is vital, although the confidentiality must also be preserved. Too much hierarchical control over collaboration between individuals may undermine the free flow of information, however the use of wikis offers a less rigidly policed boundary, which could be beneficial to the firm. 2. Hodgkinson and Johnson (1994) offer the argument that there is likely to be a greater degree of heterogeneity existing among organizations that function in task environments, which are more competitive. The task environment relates to those market factors that play a role in the functioning of a business. In a manufacturing organization, task pressures are higher because they are conditioned by market forces, especially in the retail sector which needs to be responsive to fluctuating customer demand. In the case of Zara, the clothing retailer, the organizational manages the competitive pressures in the environment by a re-structuring of its supply chain structure. The company produces stock in small quantities, continuously replenishing supplies with new and innovative designs, despite the enormous costs that are entailed in the maintenance of such a supply chain. In this way the company adheres to Porter’s recommended strategy to maintain a competitive advantage through the adoption of a new and innovative position in the marketplace (Porter, 1985). It provides customers with a constantly changing range of new designs in clothes and has been able to amass profits, because customers are anxious to grab clothes before stocks are withdrawn from the stores. The Company’s operations are typical of the argument that heterogeneity is more likely in the more competitive sectors like retail and manufacturing. If I was the CEO of Zara, I would continue the current policies; however I would try to consolidate the supply chain, so that instead of new stocks being supplied every week, the frequency would be reduced to once in two weeks. In this way, there would be some minimization of the wasteful expenses currently being faced by Zara in transporting new stocks in limited quantities in half empty planes and ships across countries. This would help to streamline the supply chain and make it more effective in maintaining innovation and a competitive advantage, while also attaining a cost benefit at the same time. This would help to increase profits. 3. The pressures of the institutional environment arise most often in industries which are subject to regulatory influences, i.e, accounting firms.(Meyer and Rowan 1977). Building firms in the UK are typical examples of the kind of industry that has been subject to strong regulatory pressures which has mandated functioning in an institutional environment. A Building society is subject to not only regulatory pressure from the Government, but also normative pressures. These cause an organization to rely upon social rather than commercial objectives, make decisions based upon existing rules, allow for promotions based upon seniority and years of service. Most importantly, these societies are more likely to place the emphasis on stability rather than innovation (Nellis, 1994). This is the way in which building societies in the UK have traditionally managed the institutional environment, promoting social rather than economic goals. If I was the CEO of a building society, I would place emphasis on the need for the organization to function as a viable economic unit. While there is undoubtedly a need for a building society to function within the constraints of Government regulations, there is some change that may be brought about in the manner of functioning. For example, promotions may be arranged based upon merit rather than seniority. This itself, would help to pump some fresh blood and new ideas into the organization and enable a new way of thinking about problems to arrive at creative solutions. Rather than adopting a fiscally conservative position with an emphasis on stability, I would change the manner of functioning to be more innovative and creative in responding to the competitive pressures in the environment. This would help to tackle some of the losses such organizations are facing. 4. The Swedish furniture retailer IKEA was established by its chairman Ingvar Kemprad in 1943 and started off as a small business selling odds and ends, but moved into the furniture business in the 1950s, opening the first showroom at Amhult in 1953.(www.ikea.com). The showroom was opened as a measure to gain a competitive edge over other furniture retailers, by providing customers the opportunity to examine the furniture close up before purchasing it. Similarly, the Company developed the innovative idea of flat packaging of furniture in the year 1955, also in response to competitor pressure. While IKEA originally supplied furniture sourced elsewhere, it began to manufacture its own furniture in order to respond to the boycott instigated by competitors of IKEA furniture. With the passage of the years, IKEA has emerged as a global retailer with stores in several countries, with 1997 world sales reaching an impressive amount of U.S. $7 billion (IKEA Case Summary). The organizational structure of IKEA was originally founded on the rational paradigm, wherein the administration of an organization will be good and correct if the modus operandi of the organization is such that it can “accomplish its work efficiently.” (Simon 1946:64). The focus is on economic outcomes and the structure of the organizational is hierarchical. When IKEA first started out, its Chairman IKEA was the top executive of the firm, with a definite chain of command existing within the organization. However, with the spread of the organization across several countries, and the management structure of the organization has changed to a networking approach, where power is shared between the Stitchting Ingka Foundation with Kamprad as the Chairman and management services to the entire group being provided by IKEA International I/S.(www.naturalstep.org.nz). As a result, the Company now operated on the basis of the open ended organizational paradigm, were there is a greater degree of responsiveness of the organization to changes in the environment.(Scott, 2003). The Company is able to achieve low costs with quality by sourcing its furniture from suppliers all over the world based upon a competitive bidding. But in recent years, it has begun to make further changes in response to environmental pressures that have been brought to bear on it. For example, new laws were passed in Denmark in 1981, regulating the amount of formaldehyde emissions from furniture and some IKEA furniture was found to violate these standards. In response to criticism from the Government and the public, the Company responded by taking up an examination of the source of the emissions, which were found to originate in some of the glue that was used. In adapting to this change, the company has begun to take steps to tackle the criticism leveled at it for other environmental issues, such as the use of plastic packaging. Apart from instituting and maintaining quality controls, the decision to manufacture some of its own furniture is a strategic move to deal with environmental issues. The company’s business history is a compilation of many such strategic moves taken in response to social, competitor and environmental pressures. References: * Hodgkinson, G.P., Johnson, G. (1994), "Exploring the mental models of competitive strategists: the case for a processual approach", Journal of Management, 31: 525-552 * IKEA Case Summary. Available online at URL: Retrieved March 26, 2008 * IKEA timeline. Available online at URL: Retrieved March 25, 2008. * Meyer, J and Rowan, B, 1977. “Institutional organizations: Formal structure as myth and ceremony”, The American Journal of Sociology, 83: 340-363 * Nellis, Joseph, G, 1994. “The changing role of building societies” IN “The future of Services Management” (C Armistead edn), London: Kogan Page * Porter, Michael E, 1985. “Competitive Advantage”, New York: Free Press Wilden, Anthony, 1980. “System and Structure, Essays in Communication and Exchange”, (2nd edn), Tavistock * Scott, W. R. (2003). Organizations: Rational, natural, and open systems (5th ed.).Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. * Simon, Herbert A, 1946. “The proverbs of administration”, Public Administration Review, 6: 53-67 * “Zara case study.” Available at URL: http://www.3isite.com/articles/ImagesFashion_Zara_Part_I.pdf > Retrieved March 25, 2008 Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1545375-questions
(Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 4)
https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1545375-questions.
“Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 4”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1545375-questions.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Competitive Advantage of IKEA

Marketing Aspects of IKEA Furniture

This study "Marketing Aspects of ikea Furniture" aims to identify the market share, competitors' strategies, and external environmental conditions of the country, and the attitude of the customers toward the company and its products.... The aim of this study is to analyze the functions and developments of ikea furniture, conduct a complete market analysis of the company so as to understand the present position of the company in the industry, and finally recommend strategies for improvement (IKEA, 2012)....
12 Pages (3000 words) Coursework

IKEAs business model and sources of competitive advantage

The stores of ikea are located outside the cities as per the low cost strategy.... It has to have more points of differentiation because when other competitors in the industry bring their prices down and offer quality and superior customer service, then chances are likely that customer loyalty and brand image of ikea will drop... This analysis paper investigates IKEA's business model and it's sources of competitive advantage.... The weaknesses of the ikea are also discussed....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Global marketing management

ikea should start its promotional campaign in the form of TV commercials, print advertisement and social media advertisement at least 3 months prior to start of its store operation in order to generate brand awareness among customers.... ikea has already entered Singapore and Malaysia through joint venture with local players and furniture retailers (Ikano Group, 2008).... ikea should follow the same strategy in Indonesia in order to decrease operational and financial risk associated with expanding business operation in unknown country....
12 Pages (3000 words) Essay

IKEA and Macro Environment Analysis of UK Furniture Industry

The main objective of ikea has always been to cater to the needs and requirements of the common people since its inception (IKEA, 2013b).... The author of the study will also highlight the effective strategies devised by the company to retain its strong position in the furniture industry and gain a competitive advantage over its competitors.... From the paper "ikea and Macro Environment Analysis of UK Furniture Industry" it is clear that ikea needs to develop a schedule that encompasses elements like conducting training programs for suppliers and employees, promotional strategies and miscellaneous factors....
13 Pages (3250 words) Essay

Potential Economic Impact on Marketing Strategies

his paper aims to understand the impact on the marketing strategies of ikea on account of globalization and the impact on the changing customer behavior.... In the case of ikea, all the suppliers strive to maintain a good relationship with the firm.... The bargaining power of the buyers is also less due to the large scale of operation of ikea.... competitive advantage ... he factor which has contributed significantly to become the greatest competitive advantage for the company is cost leadership....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

IKEAs Resources and Competences in Developing Competitive Advantage

he leadership and organizational structure of ikea are also ideal.... The author of the essay "IKEA'S Resources and Competencies in Developing competitive advantage" casts light on the business led by IKEA company.... It is mentioned that ikea is a privately owned multinational furniture company which specializes in furniture appliances and home accessories.... Historically, ikea was founded in 1943 by Mr.... By 1947, ikea had begun stocking furniture mainly produced by local manufactures....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Porters Ideas on National Competitive Advantage

The 'diamond model', presented by Porter, for the competitive advantage of nations was designed to understand the factors that may affect the competitive position of a nation in the global market.... This essay "Porter's Ideas on National competitive advantage " discusses Porter's theory that may be taken as a great contribution to the debate of competitive advantage.... Porter's persistent claim that nation's need to have a strong diamond in their home base in order to achieve competitive advantage is faulty....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

IKEA Marketing Analysis

"IKEA Marketing Analysis" paper states that the main Competitive Advantage of IKEA is to produce low-cost high-quality products with a simple design and related products to them.... This statement is very similar to the truth (History of ikea, 2010).... In addition, a unique corporate spirit IKEA is also a competitive advantage for the company, which tends to look more original than its competitors and to avoid problems (IKEA.... The ikea Group has evolved into a worldwide brand of retail sales, with 127,000 employees in 41 countries and an annual turnover of 23....
6 Pages (1500 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us