Abstract
The study focused the use of information sources about the organizational environment by startup managers. The research characterized the relevance of the external environment sectors for business, the factors that motivate the managers to seek information, and the relevance and reliability of information sources. The research methodology was based on the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The collection of quantitative data, was made through the use of an online questionnaire through which 60 responses were obtained. After the analysis of the quantitative interviews were conducted with three managers involved in the incubation, acceleration and startup investment programs, in order to discuss the data. Research has shown that entrepreneurs recognize customers and technology as key external environment sectors that affect their businesses and demonstrated their concern to seek information in order to generate innovation and support decisions. In addition, the study showed the relevance and reliability attributed to internal information sources, such as partners/employees and their own corporate databases; and the relevance of new digital information sources as compared with traditional sources.
Keywords:
Information Sources; Information Use; Business Management; Entrepreneurship; Startups