Management Control Systems in innovative startups - A multi case study of Swedish R&D startup companies

Abstract: This paper focuses on description and analysis of the management control systems (MCSs) in different startup companies. The qualitative study with an exploratory approach was chosen. In order to identify factors that affect MCSs in the startups, and examine actual impact on the design of MCS in these companies, interviews have been conducted with three Swedish firms, selected from the group of companies being in research progress with a focus on creation of unique high technology products. Empirical analysis reveals that startups have MCS in place and apply management controls tools widely. Still, these companies are facing with many difficulties and obstacles while establishing these control systems, especially because of the lack of resources and systems. Overall the findings reinforce the point that as a company is growing, the procedures are becoming more formal. We identified number of factors affecting the implementation and development of MCSs in the startup companies among which we consider size and ownership to be the most influential.