Stakeholder Theory

Abstract

Stakeholder networks are an organizational and social phenomenon. Organizations are not alone, and managing stakeholders matters in strategic management. This encyclopedia entry aims: (1) to synthesize the theoretical thought behind the foundational publications; and (2) to introduce the main constructs, definitions, and approaches of Stakeholder Theory. In doing so, it explores the definition of stakeholder theory including; the normative, descriptive, and instrumental pillars; the convergent and divergent stakeholder theory debate; the difference between stakeholder issues and social issues; stakeholder salience (power, urgency, legitimacy, and proximity); mutual trust as instrumental value of ethical behavior; stakeholder influence strategies (withholding, usage, direct, and indirect); stakeholder value creation; and stakeholder capitalism.