Mental models and perceptions of performance in startup entrepreneurs

Abstract

Mental models represent managers’ perceptual structuring of decisions to be made at the organizational level. Among the mental models, the one proposed by Toni et al. (2014), which defined the dimensions for the evaluation of organizational performance, should be highlighted. In this context, this research aimed to investigate, from the perspective of startup entrepreneurs, the link between mental models and organizational performance. A qualitative-descriptive study was conducted with evidence obtained from interviews with five Brazilian startup entrepreneurs from the states of Sergipe, Pernambuco, Bahía, and Ceará. The content analysis technique was applied and the results showed that the main components of the dimensions of the mental models involve, among others, knowledge and experiences, resilience, leadership, evolutionary orientation, innovative vision, partnerships, organizational growth and structured management.