7 Distinctions Between Working for a Multinational Corporation and a Startup – Hot

Oh, the classic battle in the corporate world! MNC vs Startup, which is a better workplace and which is the one with the potential of taking a person’s career to new heights. Interestingly both of these types of organizations offer unique experiences and opportunities but are still vastly different in terms of culture, work environment, growth potential, and more.

The data represented in the below graph speaks for itself. MNC or a Multinational Company has some edge over startups and thus has resulted in 58% of students preferring it over the startup environment!! Although, this hasn’t affected the growth, with the world counting nearly 26,000 startups in the fintech industry alone in 2021, as per Statista.

We decided to analyze how your career can transform by selecting the right workplace for yourself and what pointers you should consider before deciding upon a suitable workplace. In this blog, we will explore seven key differences between working for an MNC and a startup.

1. Company Size and Structure

One of the most apparent differences between MNCs and startups is their size and structure. Some of the biggest MNCs are situated in the US, and they are huge if numbers, as shown in the graph below, are considered. Companies such as Amazon and Apple are usually large and established companies with well-defined hierarchical structures. On the other hand, startups are smaller and more agile, with a relatively flat organizational structure.

Recommended Reading: Child Entrepreneurship: Top 7 Tips to Support Your Kid

In MNCs, there is a clear division of labor and well-defined job roles. Employees work in a structured environment and have clear responsibilities with specific KPIs to achieve.

In contrast, startups operate in a more flexible and dynamic work environment, focusing on collaboration and cross-functional roles. Startups offer the opportunity to wear multiple hats and work on projects outside of your area of expertise, allowing employees to develop a broader skill set.

2. Work Culture

Another key difference between MNCs and startups is their culture and work environment. MNCs are known for their formal and corporate culture, with well-established processes, policies, and procedures. In contrast, startups have a more relaxed and informal culture, focusing on innovation, experimentation, and creativity.

Startups often offer a more dynamic work environment, flexible working hours, a casual dress code, and relaxed office culture. Startups also often have more open communication channels, with founders and executives being more approachable and accessible to employees. MNCs, on the other hand, are more formal in their communication and have a more rigid work environment.

Recommended Reading: Identifying the Suitable Employee for Your Startup

3. Job Security and Stability

As per Randstad’s report, nearly 52% of the workforce is willing to forfeit over 10% of their salary to gain job security! Job security and stability are one of the leading points a person weighs on. MNCs are commonly considered to be more stable and secure, with well-established business models and steady revenue streams. Over the years, MNCs have built a larger customer base, which means that they are less vulnerable to market fluctuations.

In contrast, startups are generally considered to be less stable and riskier. Startups are often funded by venture capital firms, meaning they have to demonstrate rapid growth and profitability to attract further investment. 

As a result, startups can be more vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic downturns. Startups also have a higher risk of failure, and you, as an employee, are more likely to be laid off if the company fails to perform well.

4. Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

Unique opportunities for career growth and learning are offered both by MNCs and startups alike. Although MNCs often have well-defined career paths and structured training programs that allow employees to develop their skills and progress within the organization. Working in an MNC also allows you to work on large-scale projects and initiatives, which can be a valuable learning experience.

Startups, on the other hand, offer more opportunities to learn and develop skills outside of your job role. In a startup, employees are often required to wear multiple hats and work on projects outside their expertise. 

This can provide valuable learning opportunities and help employees develop a broader skill set. Startups also offer the opportunity to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, which can help employees develop a sense of urgency and adaptability.

5. Compensation and Benefits

What drives an employee to be efficient at the workplace? If one asks the employees, compensation, and benefits would probably be one of the top picks!! MNCs often offer more competitive salaries and benefits, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, to their employees, and also often offer bonuses and profit-sharing plans, which can be a valuable source of additional income for the employees.

While on the other side, startups may not be able to offer the same level of compensation as big MNCs can, especially in the early stages. However, startups may offer equity in the company, which can be a valuable source of income if the company is successful. More flexible work arrangements and other perks, such as free meals, gym memberships, and remote work options, are common in a startup environment.

6. Innovation and Creativity

Startups lead innovation in a country; the key advantage of working for a startup is the opportunity to work in an innovative, dynamic, and exciting work environment. Startups are often focused on developing new products and services, which requires a high degree of creativity and innovation. In contrast, MNCs may focus more on maintaining the status quo and optimizing existing products and services.

There are close to 71,153 startups in the United States alone, with India coming in at second place with 13,125 startups which is fuelling its developing economy!! As the below graph by Statista shows, the number of startups that are working on more innovative areas of technology, thus working in a startup can be a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working on cutting-edge technology and exploring new ideas.

7. Work-Life Balance

Whether it’s a startup or an MNC, work-life balance is an important consideration for many employees; nearly 77% of employees have claimed that they have experienced burnout at least once in their jobs, and around 72% believe that work-life balance is a very important factor when it comes to choosing a job, while 57% job seekers state that a firm having a poor work-life balance is a strict no for them!

And here is the striking difference between MNCs and startups. MNCs often have more structured work hours. In contrast, the fast-paced and dynamic nature of startups can also lead to longer work hours and a higher stress level for some employees.

There are significant differences when choosing between an MNC and a startup. The perks of an MNCs offer a more lucrative opportunity for a person, but at the same time, startups offer a fast-paced learning environment that may be valuable for several individuals. The choice is tough!! And the choice between working for an MNC or a startup will only depend on an individual’s personal goals and preferences in life.

Speaking of brighter options and good preferences, we at Moonpreneur have designed Innovator Program to make your child  (6 to 15 years) smart with futuristic STEM sciences such as  Robotics, Game Development, App Development, Advanced Math, and much more!! At the same time, we infuse them with Power Skills to lead the corporate world whether they choose to be in MNC or a startup in the future!

Book a free trial class on Robotics with Moonpreneur today and grab a $10 Amazon, Roblox, or Minecraft e-gift card on attending the session.