Competitive intelligence in the South African pharmaceutical industry

Abstract

Currently the South African pharmaceutical industry is being affected by legislation, as the government is readjusting the whole healthcare system to make it cost-effective and equitable. The purpose of this article is to establish what the current situation is within the South African pharmaceutical’s industry’s competitive intelligence (CI) capacity. Questionnaires were administered electronically to senior managers in the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of the respondents were of the opinion that a culture of information sharing and an environment of collaboration on competitive issues exist in their companies. Respondents confirm that CI is used on a continuous basis in strategic decision-making and that company strategies are used to manage competitors. It is recommended that senior management of pharmaceutical companies capitalise and consolidate the CI function which is used on a continuous basis in strategic decision-making.