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http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp011n79h673d
Title: | Growing Pains: The Organizational Development of Technology Start-ups During Periods of Hyper-growth |
Authors: | Wheeler, Meghan |
Advisors: | Vertesi, Janet A. |
Department: | Sociology |
Class Year: | 2016 |
Abstract: | Hyper-growth is a social and organizational phenomenon relating to rapid company growth that has increasingly occurred in the start-up community. While hyper-growth is a common and recognizable term used in the industry, it is not clear why hyper-growth occurs in some companies rather than others and what social forces develop with this phenomenon. Through an analysis of in-depth interviews with hyper-growth tech companies and company growth data, I argue that hyper-growth is defined by an internal state of mind rather than a quantifiable metric of growth, caused by industry pressures and group interpretations of growth and success. It is found that hyper-growth intensifies the tension between organizational stability and operational growth, and many tech companies address these conflicting forces by fostering a unique and pervasive company culture. As they expand, hyper-growth companies attempt to maintain their organizational culture by hiring candidates based on their perceived cultural fit with the company. These findings have implications for the long-term prospects of hyper-growth companies: the constant organizational change and increased presence of homophily that can develop from hyper-growth have consequences for an organization’s ability to manage risk and endure external shocks within an industry. |
Extent: | 117 pages |
URI: | http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp011n79h673d |
Type of Material: | Princeton University Senior Theses |
Language: | en_US |
Appears in Collections: | Sociology, 1954-2020 |
Files in This Item:
File | Size | Format | |
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Wheeler_Meghan_2016_Senior_Thesis.pdf | 920.56 kB | Adobe PDF | Request a copy |
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