Insights from Women Independent Distributors: Workforce Social Sustainability in Network Marketing

Building on the existing literature on network marketing, this exploratory study represents an initial attempt to assess the social sustainability of the workforce (WSS) in network marketing direct selling organizations (NMDSOs).A questionnaire was developed based on a conceptual framework that examines the influence of business models and practices, interpersonal work environments typical of personal networks (known as downlines), and individual wellbeing on WSS.The survey was administered to the entire female population of Herbalife Italy networkers.The results indicate a high level of perceived social sustainability and help rank the relative importance of each macro-and micro-level criterion in the framework, offering insights into the key factors that promote WSS in NMDSOs.