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Hybrid Decision-Making in Startups : The Role of AI in Shaping Entrepreneurial Strategy
Selevestru, Dan (2025) Hybrid Decision-Making in Startups : The Role of AI in Shaping Entrepreneurial Strategy.
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| Abstract: | This study investigates how early-stage startups adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI, in strategic decision-making, focusing on causal, effectual, and hybrid entrepreneurial logics. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews and supporting survey data, the research identifies four core dimensions shaping AI integration: barriers, enablers, capabilities, and its impact on decision-making approaches. Findings show that while some entrepreneurs rely on structured (causal) or adaptive (effectual) decision-making, the majority adopt a hybrid logic, using AI both for planning and creative exploration. This group appeared best positioned to leverage AI effectively. AI was most useful in areas such as idea validation, market analysis, content generation, and early-stage planning. Based on these results, the study introduces the A.I.D.E. framework - a four-step model (Acknowledgement, Initiation, Deployment, Enhancement) to guide startups in aligning AI use with their strategic needs. AI is positioned not just as a technical tool but as a cognitive enabler. The framework offers theoretical value, mainly expanding on the past research done in entrepreneurial logic, human-AI collaboration and AI impact over early-stage organizational development. Practically, it offers entrepreneurs and other high decision-making stakeholders a step-by-step approach in how and what to do in order to successfully integrate AI tools so that it can enhance their organizational activities and capabilities. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106727 |
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