The Path to Crowdsourcing Success: A Comprehensive Model for Startup Firms

Subject Areas : Operation Management

مسعود براتی ¹ , yazdan Mansourzade ² , bita yazdani ³

1 - Department of Management, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 - Department of Management, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3 - Department of Managment, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

Received: 2025-01-27 Accepted : 2025-04-29 Published : 2025-05-31

Keywords: Crowdsourcing, Key Success Factors, Interpretive Structural Modeling, Startup Firms,

Abstract :

Given the increasing importance of crowdsourcing as an innovative strategy for startups, this article aims to examine the path to crowdsourcing success in these firms using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, ten key success factors for crowdsourcing were identified through a comprehensive literature review. In the second phase, data were collected from 11 managers of successful Iranian startup firms via a questionnaire to determine the relationships among these factors, leading to the creation of an Interpretive Structural Model. This research presents a comprehensive model to organize the factors affecting crowdsourcing success in startups and highlights the vital roles of an appropriate platform, continuous learning, and co-creation. The results indicate that crowdsourcing success is influenced by a set of multidimensional factors structured hierarchically. According to the ISM model, the "appropriate and functional platform" is identified as the primary driving factor at the foundational level. Additionally, the factors "continuous learning and improvement" and "co-creation and joint creation" are positioned at the highest level of the model as the ultimate outcomes of crowdsourcing. The findings of the current research provide valuable insights for startups to effectively utilize crowdsourcing by creating appropriate platforms, managing intermediary factors, and achieving learning and co-creation outcomes. By clarifying the path to crowdsourcing success, this research contributes to fostering innovation, increasing public participation, and advancing the development of emerging businesses in the community.

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