
Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
Spring 5-25-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Program of Study
Communication - Corporate Communication
Language
English
First Advisor
Minna Logemann
Second Advisor
Allison Hahn
Third Advisor
Eric Gander
Abstract
This capstone study explores entrepreneurial narratives centered around the role of communication within a start-up environment and to what extent strategic communication plays a role. I am addressing the following question: To what extent do start-ups see themselves as strategic actors when approaching communications and financing within their companies? To answer this question, I conducted seven oral histories with entrepreneurs within the Public relations, online sales, and real estate fields. The start-up companies varied in the amount individuals that are currently working for them. This study builds upon previous research about start-up companies and strategic communications. Past research was more focused on the quantitative method, structured interviews, and secondary data. This study differs by using the oral history approach, which allows acquiring information that is more unique to each entrepreneur's experience. The findings of this study show that when entrepreneurs are speaking about their communication plans, they would often refer to the systems that they have in place to help support their communication. Furthermore, when speaking on strategy or a strategic communication plan entrepreneur mentioned planning sessions, meetings and different internal assignments. Interviewees reported that they would use their nine to five jobs and savings as the primary funding sources for their companies and defined success as a space between monetary gain and giving back to other people. Finally, interviewees share that communication will play a vital role in the future of their company.
Recommended Citation
Swaby, Shanice, "To what extent do start-ups see themselves as strategic actors when approaching communications and financing within their companies?" (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/114
Included in
Business and Corporate Communications Commons, Corporate Finance Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons