Stakeholder Theory Classification: A Theoretical and Empirical Evaluation of Definitions
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the first major attempt at sorting, filtering and ordering stakeholder theory and stakeholder definitions to produce a comprehensive, multi-dimensional classification of stakeholder theories.
Abstract: Stakeholder theory is widely accepted but elementary aspects remain indeterminate as the term ‘stakeholder’ is an essentially contested concept (Miles, J Bus Ethics 108:285–298, 2012; Mitchell, Organ Stud 33:1407–1411, 2012), being variously describable, internally complex and open in character (Gallie, Proc Aristot Soc 56:167–198, 1956). Such contestability is highly problematic for theory development and empirical testing. The extent of essential contestability, previously unknown, is demonstrated in this paper through a bounded systematic review of 593 different stakeholder theory definitions. As an essentially contested concept, the solution does not lie in a universal stakeholder definition, but in debating the boundaries of stakeholder identification. To this end, this paper presents the first major attempt at sorting, filtering and ordering stakeholder theory and stakeholder definitions to produce a comprehensive, multi-dimensional classification of stakeholder theory. The constructs of the classification model juxtapose existing stakeholder theories and contributions from across the multi-contextual applications of stakeholder theory, thereby providing an invaluable overview of what we know about stakeholder theory in one model. The classification model is then tested with positive results. The paper concludes with a comprehensive discussion of the implications of classification stakeholder theory definitions, which has for future research.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed evidence from the peer-reviewed and grey literatures related to the role of stakeholder engagement (both externally-driven and self-organized engagement) in biodiversity conservation at the local scale using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
265 citations
Cites background from "Stakeholder Theory Classification: ..."
...The literature on participation and local stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes spans fields such as business management, international development, community psychology, and natural resources management (Cooke and Kothari, 2001, Berkes, 2004, Hickey and Mohan, 2004, Miles, 2015)....
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TL;DR: In this paper, a model highlighting the facilitating role of big data analytics for achieving shared sustainability goals is proposed, based on integrating thematic categories coming out of 10 semi-structured interviews with key position holders in industry.
222 citations
TL;DR: The business case for sustainability is a notion often referenced in the corporate sustainability and corporate social responsibility literature as discussed by the authors, and it is a concept that is often referred to as the "business case for social responsibility".
Abstract: The “business case for sustainability” is a notion often referenced in the corporate sustainability and corporate social responsibility literature. Whereas some see sustainability and the business ...
159 citations
Cites background from "Stakeholder Theory Classification: ..."
...Miles (2017) reviews 593 definitions of the term stakeholders and highlights the general implications of using different definitions of the term, which also apply to the concept proposed in this article....
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...We acknowledge that other authors propose different understandings of stakeholders (e.g., Driscoll & Starik, 2004; Starik, 1995; for an overview see Miles, 2017) or suggest different versions of stakeholder theory (e.g., Donaldson & Preston, 1995), such as instrumental stakeholder theory (Berman et…...
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the approaches to stakeholder identification as used by environmental and natural resources management practitioners, and highlighted the importance of acknowledging the privileged position of the practitioner in deciding who is awarded stakeholder status in a project or issue.
134 citations
TL;DR: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are considered one of the key success factors influencing firm performance as mentioned in this paper, however, how CSR practices should be integrated into an organizat...
Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are considered one of the key success factors influencing firm performance. However, how CSR practices should be integrated into an organizat...
95 citations
Cites background from "Stakeholder Theory Classification: ..."
...relationships with individuals or groups who affect or are affected by a company’s practices (Miles, 2017)....
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References
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01 Mar 2010
18,472 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1984TL;DR: The Stakeholder Approach: 1. Managing in turbulent times 2. The stakeholder concept and strategic management 3. Strategic Management Processes: 4. Setting strategic direction 5. Formulating strategies for stakeholders 6. Implementing and monitoring stakeholder strategies 7. Conflict at the board level 8. The functional disciplines of management 9. The role of the executive as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Part I. The Stakeholder Approach: 1. Managing in turbulent times 2. The stakeholder concept and strategic management 3. Stakeholder management: framework and philosophy Part II. Strategic Management Processes: 4. Setting strategic direction 5. Formulating strategies for stakeholders 6. Implementing and monitoring stakeholder strategies Part III. Implications for Theory and Practice: 7. Conflict at the board level 8. The functional disciplines of management 9. The role of the executive.
17,404 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: The External Control of Organizations as discussed by the authors explores how external constraints affect organizations and provides insights for designing and managing organizations to mitigate these constraints, and it is the fact of the organization's dependence on the environment that makes the external constraint and control of organizational behavior both possible and almost inevitable.
Abstract: Among the most widely cited books in the social sciences, The External Control of Organizations has long been required reading for any student of organization studies. The book, reissued on its 25th anniversary as part of the Stanford Business Classics series, includes a new preface written by Jeffrey Pfeffer, which examines the legacy of this influential work in current research and its relationship to other theories.The External Control of Organizations explores how external constraints affect organizations and provides insights for designing and managing organizations to mitigate these constraints. All organizations are dependent on the environment for their survival. As the authors contend, "it is the fact of the organization's dependence on the environment that makes the external constraint and control of organizational behavior both possible and almost inevitable." Organizations can either try to change their environments through political means or form interorganizational relationships to control or absorb uncertainty. This seminal book established the resource dependence approach that has informed so many other important organization theories.
13,195 citations
12,500 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theory of stakeholder identification and saliency based on stakeholders possessing one or more of three relationship attributes (power, legitimacy, and urgency) is proposed, and a typology of stakeholders, propositions concerning their saliency to managers of the firm, and research and management implications.
Abstract: Stakeholder theory has been a popular heuristic for describing the management environment for years, but it has not attained full theoretical status. Our aim in this article is to contribute to a theory of stakeholder identification and salience based on stakeholders possessing one or more of three relationship attributes: power, legitimacy, and urgency. By combining these attributes, we generate a typology of stakeholders, propositions concerning their salience to managers of the firm, and research and management implications.
10,630 citations