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Making The Case For Organic Interactions: What Can Multinationals Learn From Startups’​ Work Dynamics?

By | Francisco Marin | Co-Founder & CEO at Cognitive Talent Solutions | Future of Work | Organizational Network Analysis

Do early-stage startups work differently than established multinationals?

After spending a number of years in both the corporate and the startup worlds, I’ve been reflecting on the fundamental difference between the two. I think this is a relevant question given that multinationals 1) have been revamping their work models with methodologies like agile and design thinking in an effort to develop key startups’ attributes like resilience and adaptability, 2) are increasingly dependent on acquisitions of venture-backed companies to develop a competitive advantage, and 3) are facing more pressure than ever to constantly transform themselves in order to survive in an uncertain, ever-changing business landscape.

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FAMGA’s disclosed acquisitions of AI startups, 2020 (Source: CBInsights)

Making the case for organic interactions

When it comes to work dynamics, the main difference between an established multinational and an early-stage startup is that the former clearly defines their employees’ tasks and scope of collaboration, while the latter doesn’t. When joining an early-stage startup, we are making a conscious choice about what to work on and who to work with, often getting to know all key team members in advance. When taking on a corporate job, we rarely get a glimpse of what our daily environment will look like, and once we are settled in our ability to expand our network is often limited by the organization’s hierarchical structure.

When it comes to work dynamics, the main difference between an established multinational and an early-stage startup is that the former clearly defines their employees’ tasks and scope of collaboration, while the latter doesn’t.

Although I have used the word employee when referring to people working in early-stage startups, they rarely perceive the startup as an employer, at least not in the traditional sense. They often have to get by without a paycheck, work overtime and face an incredible amount of pressure, yet you’ll find they often have the highest levels of engagement and compromise. They might be tired, stressed or overwhelmed, but they aren’t bored, unenthusiastic or unchallenged.

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