A Longitudinal Examination of Communication Networks and Organizational Life Cycle in an Entrepreneurial Venture

James E. McGinley

Abstract
Originally envisioned as a long-term study to examine organizational life cycle stage and communications this longitudinal study of a new start company came to a conclusion when the company was unable to outlast a worldwide economic downturn. However, the completion of a two-phased longitudinal review did allow for the assessment of organizational maturity based on general life cycle models. Consistent with existing life cycle stage theories, the results indicate that highly interconnected communication patterns in a new start company shift during organizational maturity toward an emphasis on decentralization. Interestingly, the survival of the company founder in a secondary business created an unexpected research opportunity to examine personal narratives and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of adversity. The unexpected secondary result was an affirmation of the potential role that personal narratives of action and innovation may play in creating conditions of entrepreneurial resiliency.

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