ILA 2025 – LFS Presentation by Leah Sciabarrasi
2024
This presentation was given at the International Leadership Conference in 2024 in Chicago. It is a presentation of some of the findings of my research.
Startups constitute a significant segment of the business ecosystem, contributing substantially to economic activity and job creation. The U.S. Small Business Administration reported that small businesses, including startups, generate 44% of the country’s economic activity and are responsible for creating two-thirds of net new jobs. Despite their economic significance, startups represent a unique organizational context that warrants exploration, particularly regarding leadership and followership dynamics. While existing research extensively covers leadership in established organizations, there is a noticeable gap in understanding how these dynamics evolve within startups as they progress. This presentation aims to delve into this uncharted territory, examining the intricate interplay between leadership, followership, and power dynamics in startup environments.
Background:
Leadership and followership are fundamental components of organizational behavior, influencing organizational performance, innovation, and employee satisfaction. While leadership often receives more attention in research and practice, followership is equally vital, shaping organizational culture and facilitating leadership effectiveness. In the context of startups, where resources are limited, and uncertainties abound, the roles of leaders and followers may undergo unique transformations. Furthermore, the power dynamics within startups, characterized by the founder’s authority and the dynamic nature of roles, add complexity to the leadership-followership exchange.
Research Objectives:
This study conducted in 2024 unravels the multifaceted dynamics of leadership and followership exchange in startup evolution. By examining the interplay between leadership styles, followership behaviors, and power dynamics, the research provides comprehensive insights into how startups navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Through rigorous empirical investigation and practical implications, this study contributes to both scholarly discourse and entrepreneurial practice, ultimately fostering the growth and sustainability of startups in today’s dynamic business landscape.
This study aimed to address the following research objectives:
- Explore how leadership and followership evolve throughout different stages of startup development.
- Examine the influence of power dynamics on leadership-followership exchange within startup environments.
- Investigate the role of leadership and followership in fostering organizational resilience and adaptability in startups.
- Provide practical insights for startup founders and managers to effectively manage leadership-followership dynamics and promote organizational success.
Methodology:
To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, comprising quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study targeted individuals involved in startups, including founders, CEOs, managers, and employees. Participants were recruited through online platforms and startup networks. The quantitative phase involved administering surveys to assess leadership styles, followership behaviors, and perceptions of power dynamics within startups. The qualitative phase consisted of in-depth interviews to capture nuanced insights into the leadership-followership exchange and its evolution over time. Data analysis involved leveraging AI technologies, including ChatGPT and Otter AI, to assist in analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical techniques were applied to quantify quantitative data, while thematic analysis, augmented by AI-powered tools, was employed to identify patterns and themes within qualitative data.
Significance:
This research holds significant implications for both theory and practice. Firstly, it contributes to the theoretical understanding of leadership and followership dynamics in startup contexts, filling a crucial gap in the literature. By elucidating how these dynamics evolve throughout different stages of startup development, the study enriches existing theories of organizational behavior. Moreover, the practical insights generated from this research will offer valuable guidance for startup founders, managers, and stakeholders. Understanding the intricacies of leadership-followership exchange and power dynamics can aid in the development of effective leadership strategies, talent management practices, and organizational structures conducive to startup success.
Presentation:
This presentation will share insights gleaned from a comprehensive exploration of leadership and followership dynamics within startup environments. By delving into uncharted territory, the study uncovers the intricate interplay between leadership styles, followership behaviors, and power dynamics as startups evolve. Thorough empirical investigation and the use of advanced AI technologies for data analysis, the presentation will provide practical insights and theoretical contributions to scholarly discourse and entrepreneurial practice. By understanding and effectively managing leadership-followership dynamics, startup founders, managers, and stakeholders can foster organizational resilience, adaptability, and ultimately contribute to the growth and sustainability of startups in today’s dynamic business landscape.
