Application of the ASA framework to startups: The case of Turkish tech startups

Creating and retaining the right culture in a startup is crucial for forming a climate for innovation and creativity. Still, it's challenging because it requires balancing various personalities within the organization while growing. The aim of this thesis is to study the applicability of the ASA (attraction – selection – attrition) framework in creating and sustaining a company culture and to determine how startup founders approach creating and retaining the company's culture. This exploratory study is conducted using qualitative research. The study sample consisted of 16 technology startup founders, excluding one pilot interview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to understand the underlying factors influencing the strong company culture in the startups. Content analysis revealed constructing and maintaining the team is a potent theme among founders. In addition, it was found that startup funding stages were significant factors that seemed to be related to the formation of company culture.