Group of young people have a discussion while sitting around computer.Researchers from the Odette School of Business are seeking participants for a study about how to build and sustain resilient entrepreneurial teams.

Building resilient startup teams aim of study

Successful entrepreneurship is critical to a vibrant economy, but about 50% of new ventures fail within five years with dysfunctional teamwork being one of the most common causes.

A team of researchers, led by faculty from the Odette School of Business, are addressing this issue by investigating the social dynamics that enable startup teams to overcome adversities and uncertainties associated with starting a new business.

Odette professors Kyle Brykman and Francine Schlosser, along with Silja Hartmann of Freie Universität Berlin, are seeking participants to share their entrepreneurial experiences as part of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) funded project, entitled “How Startup Teams Manage Adversity and Build Resilience.”

The study entails two 1-hour interviews, spaced four months apart, as well as a few brief surveys. To participate, startups should be early stage — one to five years of operations — and at least two team members should be willing to participate.

Participants will learn how to build, lead, and establish a culture of resilience in new venture teams. The researchers are also offering modest financial incentives as a token of appreciation (e.g., $30 gift cards for each interview).

Learn more on the research study website: www.teamadversity.com