Version 1
: Received: 27 January 2020 / Approved: 28 January 2020 / Online: 28 January 2020 (10:37:41 CET)
How to cite:
Szathmari, E.; Varga, Z.; Molnar, A.; Nemeth, G.; Kiss, O. Core Competency Deficits in Failed Startup Teams: Towards a Startup-specific Behavioral Competency Model. Preprints2020, 2020010338. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202001.0338.v1.
Szathmari, E.; Varga, Z.; Molnar, A.; Nemeth, G.; Kiss, O. Core Competency Deficits in Failed Startup Teams: Towards a Startup-specific Behavioral Competency Model. Preprints 2020, 2020010338. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202001.0338.v1.
Cite as:
Szathmari, E.; Varga, Z.; Molnar, A.; Nemeth, G.; Kiss, O. Core Competency Deficits in Failed Startup Teams: Towards a Startup-specific Behavioral Competency Model. Preprints2020, 2020010338. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202001.0338.v1.
Szathmari, E.; Varga, Z.; Molnar, A.; Nemeth, G.; Kiss, O. Core Competency Deficits in Failed Startup Teams: Towards a Startup-specific Behavioral Competency Model. Preprints 2020, 2020010338. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202001.0338.v1.
Abstract
Purpose: There is limited research on the reasons behind startup failure, and none of the available studies use a competency approach. In this study we applied Spencer’s competency model to identify the competencies in startups which, according to their CEOs, contributed to failure. Methodology: Three coders analyzed the stories of 50 startup failures published online using modified Critical Incident Technique. Findings: Two salient competencies were identified playing a fundamental role in startup failures if missing: Information seeking and Customer service orientation. A network pattern of 9 more prevalent competency deficits was created: Technical/professional/managerial expertise, Analytical thinking, Flexibility, Self-control, Concern for order, quality and accuracy, Interpersonal understanding, Self-confidence, Team leadership and Teamwork and cooperation. Besides startup-specific behavior descriptions were added to Spencer’s competencies. Research implications: Competency approach and Critical Incident Technique method proved to be feasible to identify competency deficits in failed startups. Practical implications: The identified competency deficits offer relevant focus areas for the assessment and development of startup teams. Originality: The study provided research evidence to describe the competency deficits of startup teams that are connected to their failure.
Keywords
startup failure; competency approach; Critical Incident Technique; Information seeking; Customer service orientation
Subject
Business, Economics and Management, Business and Management
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
