Sources of social structure in a start-up organization: work networks, work activities, and job status

Abstract

This paper explores possible salient dimensions of social structure in a start-up organizational setting. In particular, the relationship between judged similarity and three types of data representing structure in a small entrepreneurial medical technology firm is examined. Data concerning unconstrained judged similarity, work networks, work activities, and job status was collected within a month of the organization's initial start-up utilizing ethnographic, systematic and network methods of data collection. Data was analyzed using hierarchical clustering, multidimensional scaling, and correspondence analysis to determine the structure of the organization according to each type of data collected. Measures of similarity were computed to determine the correspondence between the various organizational structures and the patterns of judged similarity of organizational actors. The multiplexity of the organizational structures was also assessed. Findings indicate that patterns of judged similarity correspond equally highly to each of the organizational structures, and that the structures are multiplex in only one case; work networks and work activities. Also, a high degree of consensus exists among the actors concerning their perceptions of organizational structure. Implications for research on social cognition, the process of innovation, and the growth of entrepreneurial organizations are discussed.