Tracing stakeholder terminology then and now: Convergence and new pathways. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffin, Jennifer J.
• Other Names: Karam Charlotte M. guestEditor.; Afiouni Fida guestEditor.; Metcalfe Beverly Dawn guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Business ethics. Volume 26:Number 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 326
• Page End: 346
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Business ethics -- Periodicals; Business ethics -- Europe -- Periodicals; 174.4
• DOI: 10.1111/beer.12158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8770

Abstract

Abstract : Over the past four decades, stakeholder research has united a chorus of voices from different disciplines using different terminology for different audiences all related to a seemingly similar topic: those that affect and are affected by business. By juxtaposing a comprehensive review of the early years of stakeholder research against more recent stakeholder research, we identify areas of common convergence (a focus on relationships and Freeman's definition of a stakeholder) as well as emergent scholarship (mechanisms underlying stakeholder relationships and solutions‐oriented impacts). We develop an organizing framework consisting of three stakeholder‐related themes: who or what is a stakeholder; mechanisms underlying stakeholder relationships; and outcomes‐oriented stakeholder research. Future research opportunities include: simultaneously examining multiple stakeholders at multiple levels; multiplier effects along the value chain and across geographies; and net impacts (examining whether net positive benefits inclusive of negative outcomes exist). We conclude by identifying how stakeholder research can "move the needle" on important business issues such as: income inequality and CEO pay; human rights and building community inclusion; disease alleviation; and food security in firms' continuous quest to create value.