Hynes, JenniferIppendorf, NikoEhsan Asefi DaryanBerlin International University of Applied Sciences2024-01-152025-12-022025-12-022023https://repository.berlin-international.de/handle/123456789/1076AI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Without trust, a healthy and high-quality relationship cannot be formed between people. As this matter is important in society, a business also needs, for its success, that the employees of the organization trust each other. Therefore, there is a need for trust in startups, which are increasing and growing day by day, just like other businesses, but the difference in the environment and structure of startups has made a difference in leadership. This thesis examines the differences between startup leadership and that of larger companies and what behaviors and tasks a startup leader shows to build a relationship full of trust with teammates. To investigate trust building from the leaders' point of view, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine startup leaders who are active in three countries: Germany, Iran, and the USA. They expressed opinions about the process of trust building. This international statistical community in three different countries, one of which is the center of the origin of startups (the USA), and two other countries that are growing daily in this industry, has removed geographical limitations in expressing opinions. The 7Cs mode of trust was used to create sub-questions that were asked to the leaders; the main research question has been answered, which is what startup leaders do to build trust. The interviewees believed that trust in the startup team is of high importance due to issues such as multitasking people, fewer numbers, their expertise, and their younger age compared to large and traditional companies. A different process must be followed to create it. Mistrust in a startup reduces the motivation, efficiency, productivity, and performance of the team, which is effective in the success of the team. In this thesis, thematic analysis of the leaders' opinions shows that the lack of a friendly and intimate environment, without importance to the role of people, without understanding their mood, and without also recognizing the personality and culture of team members, destroys trust, and a leader who is not trusted by the team will cause negative effects on teammates. Keywords: startup leadership, trust building, organizational trust, thematic analysis, semi-structured interviews, multinational startups, 7Cs model of trust, team dynamics, leadership strategies, startup cultureMACHINE-GENERATED CONTENTS NOTE: Table of Contents 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Main Problem Statement ............................................................................... 2 1.2 Thesis Structure ............................................................................................ 3 2 Literature Review ................................................................................................. 4 2.1 Trust ............................................................................................................. 4 2.1.1 Trust Importance .................................................................................. 5 2.2 Organizational Trust ...................................................................................... 7 2.3 Trust in a Team (startup) ............................................................................... 9 2.3.1 Role of Startup Leaders in Trust .......................................................... 10 2.3.2 the Difference Between Strong and Weak Trust in a Team ................. 13 3 Research Methods ............................................................................................... 15 3.1 Research Executive Process ........................................................................ 15 3.2 Research Sampling Method ......................................................................... 15 3.3 Data Collection Method and Tools .............................................................. 16 3.3.1 Qualitative Research ............................................................................ 16 3.3.1.1 Qualitative Research Approaches ................................................ 16 3.3.1.1.1 Content Analysis ............................................................... 16 3.3.1.1.2 Narrative Analysis ............................................................ 16 3.3.1.1.3 Discourse Analysis .......................................................... 16 3.3.1.1.4 Thematic Analysis ........................................................... 16 3.3.1.1.5 Grounded Theory ............................................................. 16 3.3.1.2 Qualitative Research Tools .......................................................... 17 3.3.2 Semi-structured Interview ................................................................... 17 3.3.3.1 Advantages of Semi-structured Interview ................................. 22 3.3.3.2 Semi-structured Interview Analyzing Process ......................... 23 3.3.3.3 Transcribing Interviews ............................................................. 23 3.3.3.4 Coding Semi-structured Interview ............................................. 23 3.4 Designing Questions ................................................................................... 24 3.4.1 7cs Model of Trust ............................................................................. 25 3.4.1.1 Capability .................................................................................. 25 3.4.1.2 Commitment ............................................................................. 25 3.4.1.3 Capacity .................................................................................... 25 3.4.1.4 Connection ................................................................................ 25 3.4.1.5 Commonality ............................................................................ 25 3.4.1.6 Consistency .............................................................................. 25 3.4.1.7 Character .................................................................................. 25 3.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 26 4 Data Collection and Data Analysis ..................................................................... 28 4.1 Data Collection ........................................................................................... 28 4.2 Research Approach ..................................................................................... 28 4.2.1 Inductive Approach ............................................................................ 29 4.2.2 Deductive Approach .......................................................................... 29 4.2.3 Semantic Approach ........................................................................... 29 4.2.4 Latent Approach ................................................................................ 30 4.3 Data Analysis Process ................................................................................ 30 4.4 Result ........................................................................................................ 30 4.4.1 Theme 1 (startup Leadership Differentiation) ...................................... 30 4.4.2 Theme 2 (successful/unsuccessful Experience to Build Trust) ............ 33 4.4.3 Theme 3 (building Connection) .......................................................... 34 4.4.4 Theme 4 (demonstrating Consistency) ............................................... 36 4.4.5 Theme 5 (showing Capabilities) ........................................................ 37 4.4.6 Theme 6 (creating Commitment) ....................................................... 39 4.4.7 Theme 7 (leader's Character) ........................................................... 40 4.4.8 Theme 8 (building Trust) .................................................................. 41 4.5 Research Framework .................................................................................. 44 4.5.1 Startup Leadership Differentiation ...................................................... 44 4.5.2 How Startup Leaders Build Trust ....................................................... 46 5 Discussion and Conclusion ................................................................................. 49 5.1 Discussion of Results .................................................................................. 49 5.2 Research Limitations .................................................................................. 52 5.3 Conclusion .................................................................................................. 52 6 References ......................................................................................................... 54 appendices ........................................................................................................... 59 Appendix 1 ....................................................................................................... 59 Appendix 2 ....................................................................................................... 60 Appendix 3 ....................................................................................................... 61eng7Cs Model Of TrustMultinational StartupsOrganizational TrustSemi-Structured InterviewsStartup CultureTeam DynamicsThematic AnalysisTrust BuildingStartup LeadershipThesis