Abstract
This research seeks to understand how organization culture is formed in early-stage nonprofit, mission-driven, and purpose driven organizations. Growth stage was determined by looking at Flamholtz and Randl’s “Growing Pains” stages of organizational growth and Cameron & Quinn’s Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) was utilized to identify the current organizational culture type. The research focused on the insights and experiences of founders of early-stage companies (defined as having been founded in the past 15 years). The research revealed that founders are integral in culture creation through their roles and especially through role modeling in the early stages. Additionally, one significant aspect of culture creation is that organization culture is demonstrated and created through the hiring and onboarding processes. The findings could have implications for early-stage organizations that are seeking to better engage employees, in that culture creation, and development can be done initially in the process.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Corporate culture; Organizational change; New business enterprises; Employee selection
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Gary Mangiofico
Recommended Citation
Bond, Janezee, "Organizational culture formation in early-stage, mission-driven ventures" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1665.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1665