A Stakeholder Analysis of Manila’s Kolek Kilo Kita Waste Management Program

Abstract

Despite the Philippines ranking among the top contributors to plastic waste, little emphasis is given to the recycling programs of manufacturing companies in the country. The purpose of this paper is to determine the expected roles of stakeholders and the values that are exchanged in the Kolek Kilo Kita para sa Walastik na Maynila program by using a combination of role theory and stakeholder theory. The researchers believe there is a need to emphasize the importance of permeable role boundaries to ensure stability in a recycling program to combat the increase of plastic waste in our oceans and landfills. As this study uses a qualitative method, specifically an embedded single-case study design, the researchers interviewed at least one representative from each stakeholder entity involved—Unilever Philippines, Manila City government, Republic Cement, and the project participants. The researchers found a general alignment of expected and actual roles among the stakeholders, though participants displayed a limited understanding of Republic Cement’s role in processing the collected plastics. The analysis also revealed stakeholders are satisfied and motivated to continue engagement in the program due to perceived value exchanges—Unilever Philippines achieves corporate sustainability aims, the city government fulfills obligations to citizens, Republic Cement secures materials for manufacturing, and residents gain free products.