Abstract
This study embarks on a comprehensive comparative analysis of
start-up ventures and franchise operations within Egypt’s burgeoning pharmacy
industry, with a key focus on delineating the challenges and success
determinants inherent in each business model. Adopting a mixed-method research
design, the study utilizes surveys and questionnaires to extract empirical data
on pivotal variables such as customer satisfaction, brand image, relationship
quality, and trust, thereby evaluating their collective influence on the
overarching success of the business entities under scrutiny. A critical facet
of this research is the exploration of communication's role in fortifying open
innovation performance during business negotiations, particularly within the
start-up milieu. This insight is invaluable, underscoring the significance of
strategic communication in cultivating customer loyalty and trust, which are
paramount in the nascent stages of business development. In summation, the
research offers profound insights into the disparate operational dynamics
characterizing start-ups and franchises in Egypt. This study not only
illuminates the pathways to business success in the competitive Egyptian
pharmacy sector but also contributes significantly to the broader discourse on
entrepreneurship and business strategy in emerging markets.
JEL classification numbers: D25, M13, M31.
Keywords: Franchisee entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Customer satisfaction,
Pharmacy industry.