Ethical Business Practices: An In-Depth Look Through the Example of IKEA

Ethical Business Practices: An In-Depth Look Through the Example of IKEA

Summary

With the advent of Industry 4.0, a production and management process has emerged in which digitalization takes center stage, and artificial intelligence and automation have rapidly gained momentum. However, in recent years, the diminishing role of the human factor in these processes has raised ethical, social, and psychological concerns. In this context, the concept of Industry 5.0 has emerged, emphasizing a more human-centered use of technology. This article evaluates the transition to Industry 5.0 by examining human-machine interaction from ethical and societal perspectives.

Introduction

Industrial revolutions have brought not only technological but also cultural and sociological transformations throughout human history. Beginning in the late 18th century, each phase of industrialization has reshaped production relations. One of the defining concepts of the past decade, Industry 4.0, has accelerated production processes through automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and data analytics—while delegating many decision-making processes to machines.

However, as a consequence, the human element has gradually moved away from the center of systems. Individual creativity, empathy, and ethical values have been pushed into the background. This situation has brought about a need for a new approach—thus paving the way for the emergence of Industry 5.0.

What is Industry 5.0?

Supported by the European Commission, this new approach advocates the use of technology not solely for efficiency but in alignment with human values. Industry 5.0 represents a mindset that prioritizes human-machine collaboration across a wide range of fields—from manufacturing and healthcare to education and tourism.

Core components of this new paradigm include cobots (collaborative robots), AI-assisted systems that work with human feedback, ethical algorithms, and personalized services.

A Silent Transformation: Why Has It Gone Largely Unnoticed?

Unlike previous industrial revolutions, the transition to Industry 5.0 is not defined by visible, device-based changes but rather by a conceptual and value-based transformation. Therefore, it often goes unnoticed by the general public, although it is receiving growing attention from business leaders, academics, and policymakers.

As Zuboff (2019) puts it:

“Technology should exist not to replace humans, but to complement them.”
Industry 5.0 embodies precisely this philosophy.

Sectoral Impacts and Applications

Healthcare:

Industry 5.0 in healthcare promotes not just automated diagnostic systems but also technologies that empathize with patients. Emotional AI is being developed to enhance patient trust and satisfaction in caregiving processes.

Tourism:

While automated booking systems defined Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 focuses on personalized and culturally aware experiences. Digitalization is being combined with a human touch to create more meaningful and sustainable tourism services.

Education:

The widespread adoption of online learning has reduced teacher-student interaction. In contrast, Industry 5.0’s human-centered education model aims to rebuild pedagogical bonds, emphasizing emotional engagement and individualized learning.

Conclusion and Evaluation

Industry 5.0 repositions technology not as a competitor to humanity but as a tool that empowers human potential. This understanding seeks to establish new standards not only in terms of economic efficiency but also in areas such as ethical responsibility, social inclusion, and emotional intelligence.

Robots will remain part of the system—but now, humans are at the center. This marks a necessary step toward balancing technological advancement and building a more sustainable future.

“The future will redefine not only machines—but also ourselves.”
— Tolga Akagün

References

Zuboff, S. (2019). The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. PublicAffairs.
European Commission. (2021). Industry 5.0: Towards a sustainable, human-centric and resilient European industry.
Harari, Y. N. (2017). Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. Harper.

Tolga AKAGÜN