The role of entrepreneurial human capital factors on business sustainability in the South African pharmaceutical industry

Abstract

In this research study, the researcher sought to evaluate the role of entrepreneurial human capital factors on business sustainability in the South African pharmaceutical retail industry. In South Africa the selling of medicine is regulated in terms of pricing, which results in low profits margins for entrepreneurs. Thirty entrepreneurs in the pharmaceutical industry were respondents in this qualitative research study. The pertinent findings of the study included that the higher the level of entrepreneurial human capital, the higher the entrepreneur‟s performance, hence ensuring that ventures are sustainable in both the long- and short-term. This research study supports that the higher the level of entrepreneurial human capital, the more the entrepreneur‟s gains create a competitive advantage in the sustainability of the respective entrepreneur‟s businesses.