Petkovic, B. (2018). Start up and love the game : successful formation of start-up teams : what start-ups can learn from professional basketball teams? [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien; Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2018.57466
Team formation; Team alignment; Team heterogeneity; Team balance; Analogous field; Basketball
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Team formation; Team alignment; Team heterogeneity; Team balance; Analogous field; Basketball
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Abstract:
Focus of this Master Thesis is finding the solution for problem of “Not the right team” which arises as one of major reasons why early stage companies (start-ups) failed. Team formation, as a structural source of the problem, highly affects future life of a company; therefore, its process should be done very carefully. Examining structure of start-ups and looking deeply into the problem, Team formation is segmented on aspects of Team alignment, Team balance and Team heterogeneity which are then further analysed. Innovative approach is created using insights from analogous distant field. In that sense, connections between sports and start-ups are established. Exploration showed that basketball is the best field from which valuable insight could arise. Specific connections between basketball and start-up are explained having in mind targeted Team formation aspects. Statistical analysis using hierarchical multiple regression is conducted to explore if observed Team formation aspects significantly contribute to team success in basketball. Results show there is statistically significant explanation of team success done by Alignment and Team balance variables. It gives scientifically grounded opportunity to transfer practices and knowledge from one field to another. Simple framework how, founder can enhance and investors evaluate, Alignment aspect is presented, along with further recommendations.