The Conceptualization of Learning Processes in Start-up Organizations - Institutional Influences on the Constitution of Organizations

The process of starting a company is a highly complex process accompanied by instability and insecurity. Internal cooperation structures as well as environmental fit have to be established in order to secure organizational survival. As a consequence, founders as well as organizational members face high learning needs during this period. Societal as well as sector institutions influence these learning needs. The learning processes will be explained by referring to new institutionalism and social learning theories, especially the concept of communities of practice. The developed conceptual framework will be applied to two case studies of start-ups in the creative industry.