Prioritizing CSFs to overcome startups’ obstacles through a rough-MADM framework: a case study of Iranian startups

Purpose Startups have an indispensable function in the growth and development of societies in today’s world. However, in many developing countries, startups encounter obstacles that constrain their growth and development. This study aims to propose a framework of critical success factors (CSFs) that could help startups to overcome obstacles to their growth or development. Design/methodology/approach The CSFs and the obstacles were identified through a review of the theoretical literature. The study relied a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method under uncertainty. For this reason, the weights of the obstacles were determined via the rough best-worst method (RBWM). The CSFs were prioritized based on the rough WASPAS approach. The statistical population included managers of startup companies working in science and technology parks in Iran. Findings The rough decision-making techniques showed that the most important obstacles to startups were “unawareness of the startup culture and the specific culture of each team” and “lack of entrepreneurial skills.” The most important CSFs were “business credibility with stakeholders,” “interest in and enthusiasm for entrepreneurial activities” and “proper cash management.” Startup managers can use the findings/suggestions in upgrading their priorities and views and in contributing to the sustainability and growth of their companies. Originality/value This study investigated the CSFs that could help startups to overcome obstacles to their progress. As such, the major contribution of study was to identify and prioritize startup CSFs in Iran, with the purpose of overcoming the obstacles affecting startups’ ecosystem in the country. To accomplish this, two rough-based decision-making techniques were used to handle inaccuracies in the decision-making process.