Målsättning i startup-kaoset: En kvalitativ studie om startup-entreprenörers målsättande

Sammanfattning: Research on goal setting is quite extensive, presumably because goals are closely linked to performance. However, research on goal setting in work settings has mostly been conducted on assigned goals within corporate organizations. As entrepreneurship becomes an increasingly popular occupation, it is relevant to broaden the knowledge base for goal setting theory to the domain of nascent entrepreneurship. This qualitative study aims to explore goal setting within the domain of nascent entrepreneurship. We explore what goal setting means for nascent entrepreneurs and their experience with it, why and how they set goals, and what factors that might affect their goal setting. The results of the study are followed by a comparison with the traditional goal setting theory, and a discussion is conducted based on how the goal setting differs in the nascent entrepreneurial context. We have interviewed 9 nascent entrepreneurs operating within various industries in Stockholm. The findings of the study were as follows: (1)The nascent entrepreneurs utilized and set both distal goals and proximal goals.(2)These goals were mainly set for direction and in order to create structure.(3)The nascent entrepreneurs primarily set their own goals, although a lot of them welcomed assigned goals from investors because of their perceived legitimacy.(4)The startup circumstances made it difficult to set specific goals, as the environment and circumstances changed constantly. Therefore, goal setting had to be kept flexible.(5)Lack of experience and expertise often led to difficulties in determining which goals were "right" or useful. However, even "bad goals" provided important feedback that helped steer the nascent entrepreneurs through the uncertain environment. (6)Distal goals were high-aiming and non-specific in their character and did not necessarily have a direct link to the company's operations.(7)The startup-entrepreneurs did not set learning goals, only performance goals.