SOURCES OF SOCIAL-STRUCTURE IN A START-UP ORGANIZATION - WORK NETWORKS, WORK ACTIVITIES, AND JOB STATUS

This paper explores possible salient dimensions of social structure in a start-up organizational setting. In particular, the relationship be tween 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 activi ties, and job status was collected within a month of the organization' s initial start-up utilizing ethnographic, systematic and network meth ods of data collection. Data was analyzed using hierarchical clusterin g, multidimensional scaling, and correspondence analysis to determine the structure of the organization according to each type of data colle cted. Measures of similarity were computed to determine the correspond ence between the various organizational structures and the patterns of judged similarity of organizational actors. The multiplexity of the o rganizational structures was also assessed. Findings indicate that pat terns of judged similarity correspond equally highly to each of the or ganizational structures, and that the structures are multiplex in only one case; work networks and work activities. Also, a high degree of c onsensus exists among the actors concerning their perceptions of organ izational structure. Implications for research on social cognition, th e process of innovation, and the growth of entrepreneurial organizatio ns are discussed.