Use of information sources by managers of startup companies

Abstract The study focused the use of information sources about the organizational environment by startup managers. The research characterized the relevance of the external environment sectors for business, the factors that motivate the managers to seek information, and the relevance and reliability of information sources. The research methodology was based on the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The collection of quantitative data, was made through the use of an online questionnaire through which 60 responses were obtained. After the analysis of the quantitative interviews were conducted with three managers involved in the incubation, acceleration and startup investment programs, in order to discuss the data. Research has shown that entrepreneurs recognize customers and technology as key external environment sectors that affect their businesses and demonstrated their concern to seek information in order to generate innovation and support decisions. In addition, the study showed the relevance and reliability attributed to internal information sources, such as partners/employees and their own corporate databases; and the relevance of new digital information sources as compared with traditional sources.

摘要 本研究聚焦初创企业（Startup）管理者对组织环境相关信息源的使用行为。本研究明确了商业外部环境各领域的重要性、管理者寻求信息的驱动因素，以及各类信息源的相关性与可靠性。研究采用定量与定性结合的方法开展：定量数据通过线上问卷收集，共回收有效回复60份；在完成定量数据分析后，对参与创业孵化、加速及初创企业投资项目的三名管理者开展访谈，以辅助研讨定量研究所得数据。研究结果显示，创业者将客户与技术视为影响企业运营的核心外部环境领域，且体现出通过获取信息支撑创新与决策制定的诉求。此外，本研究证实了合作伙伴/员工、自有企业数据库等内部信息源的相关性与可靠性，同时也表明新型数字化信息源相较传统信息源同样具备较高的应用价值。