The organizational resilience in startups through the lens of innovation

Abstract

The operational continuity of organizations, especially startups, is a significant concern for all stakeholders directly or indirectly involved with the company. Crises are typically unpredictable and abrupt, as seen in the recent COVID-19 crisis that disrupted the entire economy. Consequently, startups are required to be resilient in the face of environmental turbulence. Resilience is the ability to adapt a company’s activity to adverse conditions while relying on innovation, diversity, flexibility and resilience (Norman, 2000). Among the substantial factors of resilience, innovation stands out. In this context, our research aims to understand the influence of innovation on the organizational resilience of startups during crises. Through an exploratory approach, data collection involves semi-structured interviews with 31 startups operating in various industries. Thematic content analysis highlights that managerial, technological, and social innovation enhance the organizational resilience of startups in times of crisis.