Ingvar Kamprad (1926–2018)

Question 1

Who was Ingvar Kamprad?

Answer 1

The Swedish entrepreneur who founded IKEA.

Question 2

What does IKEA stand for?

Answer 2

Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd, Agunnaryd (the farm and village of his upbringing).

Question 3

When did Ingvar Kamprad found IKEA?

Answer 3

In 1943, when he was 17 years old.

Question 4

What was IKEA’s major innovation in the furniture industry?

Answer 4

Flat-pack, easy-to-assemble furniture sold in compact, flat boxes.

Question 5

Where was Ingvar Kamprad born?

Answer 5

In Pjätteryd, Sweden.

Question 6

What was Kamprad known for in his personal life?

Answer 6

He was known for his frugality, often flying economy class and driving modest cars.

Question 7

How did IKEA make furniture more affordable?

Answer 7

By introducing flat-pack furniture, reducing storage and transport costs.

Question 8

How did Kamprad’s early life influence his business?

Answer 8

Growing up in a rural, economically challenging environment made him value affordability and simplicity.

Question 9

How did post-World War II urbanization influence IKEA’s success?

Answer 9

Increased urbanization and the rise of the middle class created a demand for affordable, stylish furniture.

Question 10

What style is IKEA most known for?

Answer 10

Minimalist, Scandinavian design.

Question 11

What significant challenge did Kamprad face in the 1990s?

Answer 11

He faced backlash for his early associations with pro-Nazi sympathizers.

Question 12

How did Kamprad address his controversial past?

Answer 12

He publicly apologized and expressed deep regret.

Question 13

What is Kamprad’s legacy in the business world?

Answer 13

He is remembered for democratizing design and making modern furniture affordable for the masses.

Question 14

How is IKEA’s business model unique?

Answer 14

IKEA uses a self-service shopping model, flat-pack design, and massive warehouse-style stores.

Question 15

How did Kamprad influence supply chain practices?

Answer 15

He emphasized efficiency and sustainability, influencing global supply chain practices.

Question 16

Which generation of Kamprad’s family runs IKEA today?

Answer 16

His children are involved in the leadership of the company.

Question 17

What unique feature about IKEA’s cafeterias did Kamprad enjoy?

Answer 17

He loved IKEA’s affordable meatballs and often ate at the company’s own cafeterias.

Question 18

What was Kamprad’s famous quote about his frugality?

Answer 18

Kamprad believed that thriftiness was part of his Swedish heritage and wanted to remain humble.

Question 19

Why is Kamprad considered a role model for business leaders?

Answer 19

He valued simplicity, modesty, and practical solutions despite his immense wealth.

Question 20

What was the major controversy IKEA faced in terms of labor and production?

Answer 20

Scrutiny over labor conditions in factories and environmental practices.

Question 21

How did Kamprad help IKEA improve its social and environmental practices?

Answer 21

By investing in sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives.

Question 22

What impact did Kamprad’s early life in a rural Swedish village have on his business philosophy?

Answer 22

It shaped his focus on affordability, practicality, and frugality.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: IKEA’s flat-pack furniture is known for being _____.

Answer 23

Easy to assemble and affordable.

Question 24

Which furniture retailer is Ingvar Kamprad credited with founding?

Answer 24

IKEA.

Question 25

What was Kamprad’s approach to transportation and personal finance?

Answer 25

He drove modest cars and flew economy class despite being a billionaire.