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New Venture Evolution and Managerial Capabilities

University of Washington, Box 353200, Seattle, Washington 98110
Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301
wboeker{at}u.washington.edu
wiltbank{at}willamette.edu

This study examines factors influencing changes in the top management of start-up firms. Whereas a significant amount of research has examined top management transitions in established firms, we know much less about the factors influencing the evolution of top management capabilities in a new firm. Our research examines these issues in a sample of new ventures founded from 1983 through 1995, examining each firm for seven years after its founding to evaluate the conditions that influence a firm’s changes in top management. Results indicate that top management team changes occur in cases of very low or very high firm growth, but are mitigated by a functionally diverse top management team. Power and control of inside and outside constituencies also affect changes in top management, with venture capital ownership and board representation increasing change in top management, and managerial ownership decreasing changes.

Key Words: entrepreneurship; top management teams; governance and control; organizational evolution and change

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