After the bubble burst: How small high-tech firms can keep in front of the wave

The strategy, culture, and time orientation that influence the speed, pace, and timing needed by small high-tech firms to be successful are focused on.

Abstract

Executive Overview Organizations in today's New Time environment simply have no choice but to learn how to compete and not be swept away by the changing tides of the uncertain economy. This is especially true of small high-tech firms. This article focuses on the strategy, culture, and time orientation that influence the speed, pace, and timing needed by these firms to be successful. We interviewed the top management and surveyed the employees of Global Software Solutions, Inc. (GSSI), a representative of today's small high-tech companies that went through the unprecedented boom and bust of recent times. GSSI not only survived the roller coaster ride, but seem positioned well for the future. We also conducted a survey of employees at a similar firm we call WESO, which was struggling to survive. The leaders of GSSI provided valuable insights about their firm's flexible, adaptable culture and future time orientation. GSSI employees verified this culture and time horizon and responded significantly higher on the various dimensions than did their counterparts at the unsuccessful firm. This comparative case analysis suggests that an adaptable organizational culture and future time orientation are very important to the technology-dominated small firms in the New Time environment to get and stay in front of the wave of dramatic change.