Pretorius, J. P. H.Bucheli, Zosia2025-01-102025-01-102024http://hdl.handle.net/11660/12970Thesis (Ph.D.(Higher Education))--University of the Free State, 2024The research is an Appreciative Inquiry into the Entrepreneurial Attributes of three young African Entrepreneurs. It recognised the vital role that entrepreneurial attributes play in entrepreneurial success. The study aimed to inquire into and identify the positive and most life-giving entrepreneurial attributes that these three individuals have developed through their entrepreneurial endeavours. The study assumed an Appreciative Inquiry perspective which accentuated and focused on strengths-based positive attributes. The research employed 5D Appreciative Inquiry Cycle workshops for each of the three African entrepreneurs to gather in-depth information regarding their most effective entrepreneurial attributes. Through the use of an appreciative lens, the study aimed to uncover the individual strengths and life-giving attributes of each entrepreneur which empowered them to further development to advance their entrepreneurship. These were encapsulated by the positive entrepreneurial attributes which emerged through the workshops. The results of this research highlight the best entrepreneurial attributes of these three African entrepreneurs. Each article provides unique results specific to the entrepreneur studied. The entrepreneurs’ individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, communities and entrepreneurial journeys have impacted the development of their positive entrepreneurial attributes. Further, the research provides necessary literature on entrepreneurial attributes. It also contributes towards the individual experiences and strategies utilised by three African entrepreneurs to further enhance and develop their entrepreneurial attributes. Aspiring entrepreneurs on the African continent may employ these practical implications in their entrepreneurial endeavours. It fosters the identification of effective entrepreneurial attributes which propels economic growth and development in South Africa and elsewhere.enAppreciative inquiryEntrepreneurial attributesProfessional developmentAfrican entrepreneursStrengths-based approachSocial constructionismThesisUniversity of the Free State