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Learning from Multi-Stakeholder Networks: Issue-Focussed Stakeholder Management

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Abstract

From an analysis of the role of companies in multi-stakeholder networks and a critical review of stakeholder theory, it is argued that companies practise two different types of stakeholder management: they focus on their organization’s welfare (organization- focussed stakeholder management) or on an issue that affects their relationship with other societal groups and organizations (issue-focussed stakeholder management). These two approaches supplement each other. It is demonstrated that issue-focussed stakeholder management dominates in multi-stakeholder networks, because it enables corporations to address complex problems and challenges in cooperation with stakeholders. Since deliberation is the key to issue-focussed stakeholder management, it helps to cope with numerous and at times contradictory stakeholder demands and enhances the legitimacy of corporate activities.

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  1. Strategy and Management, ESC Rennes, 2, rue Robert d’ Arbrissel-CS 76522, 35065, Rennes, France

    Julia Roloff

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  1. Julia Roloff
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Correspondence to Julia Roloff.

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The research for this article was facilitated by the ESC Rennes Management Research Fund.

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Roloff, J. Learning from Multi-Stakeholder Networks: Issue-Focussed Stakeholder Management. J Bus Ethics 82, 233–250 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-007-9573-3

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