The Use of Organisational Learning Practices in Start-Ups Growth

Abstract

Objective: To explore the use of organisational learning practices in start-up growth by focusing on start-up development stages and the 4I framework of organisational learning.

Research Design & Methods: The qualitative analysis was performed based on seven case studies: Lithuanian technology-based start-ups. The data collected from entrepreneurs working in technology knowledge intensive sector enables examining the practices of organisational learning that emerges in specific life cycle stages of start-ups.

Findings: The research results indicate that Lithuanian technology-based start-ups use behavioural learning the most in their growth stages. Start-ups are more likely to use the error-learning approach than cognitive or action learning practices. Learning practices are accepted intuitively, later interpreted and integrated. However, Lithuanian technology-based start-ups have not yet institutionalised the benefits of organisational learning.

Implications & Recommendations: Organisation learning practices should be applied in start-ups from the very beginning of their growth with the goal to develop a culture of learning.

Contribution & Value Added: This study contributes to the international entrepreneurship literature by examining the start-ups growth stages and the aspects of organisational learning: its methods, dynamic processes and the benefits of its application. Our contribution is a contextual focus of Lithuania, a small economy in transition. The empirical results provide some guidelines to practitioners who reduce gaps in the developmental stage of start-ups, solve challenges, and achieve a quicker settlement of
a start-up in global markets by effectively using the knowledge of organisation learning in individual, group, and organisational levels.

Keywords

start-up, organisational learning, start-up growth stages

Author Biography

Jurgita Sekliuckiene

Professor of International Business and head of International Entrepreneurship research cluster at the Kaunas University of Technology. She received her PhD in Management and Business Administration from the Kaunas University of Technology. Her research interests are in the area of internationalisation, international entrepreneurship and innovation, networks, export strategies with a special interest in transition market INVs and multinationals. She is the author and co-author of conference contributions, over 40 peer-reviewed publications, and several books and monographs chapters in the field of international business, strategic management and emerging markets. She is a member of Academy of International Business (AIB) and European International Business Academy (EIBA).