Putting a price on mission: Social responsibility orientation and startup employment
Mission-driven startups win candidates willing to give up 13-18.5% of salary, but gain no advantage in retention or satisfaction.
Summary
Using data from a structured recruitment process in which startups hired recent graduates, the study shows candidates are more likely to express interest in and accept offers from mission-driven employers. This front-end advantage is driven largely by female candidates. There is no advantage in retention or job satisfaction. [Open access — summary based on the published abstract.]
Editor's opinion
Narrow hiring/compensation economics finding, not a firm-strategy insight.
Key concepts
social responsibility orientation · startup hiring · wage sacrifice · mission-driven