Stakeholder Engagement: The Experience of Holcim

19.5 Conclusion

Holcim has found that the systematic planning of stakeholder engagement represents good risk management. It helps builds reputation and contributes to the achievement of business objectives, enabling us to:

• Stay on the same wavelength as our neighbours;

• Mitigate the negative effects of potentially ‘hot issues’;

• Spot opportunities and address stakeholder concerns proactively.

The Holcim experience shows that implementing local solutions according to a global methodology is a powerful tool. It enables us to engage with stakeholders covering a diverse spectrum of cultures, languages, and aspirations. One could expect that the model would have wide application across the business community, providing an opportunity to better understand and meet stakeholder needs in a spirit of openness and collaborative effort.