Advancing theory and practice for successful implementation of stakeholder management in organisations

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to report on the advancement, in theory and practice, in stakeholder management as a result of the author's experiences, and to invite other practitioners and researchers to collaborate in, or contribute to, research to further advance stakeholder management theory and practice in both project management and organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe process of developing theory and practice from ideas based on work experiences and reflection, through action learning, practical application and reference to a “collaborative community of enquiry” composed of colleagues, clients, academic researchers and practitioners is reported in this paper.FindingsThe process of developing a methodology and ways to assist organisations is not static: each organisation is different with different needs and goals. It is therefore essential to facilitate the continuous improvement and development of tools and processes that support stakeholder relationship management (SRM) in organisations. This is best achieved through exposure of the ideas to researchers and practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsThe stakeholder relationship management maturity approach to assisting organisations successfully implement a stakeholder “mindset” or culture, has been developed to the level described in this paper through a process of reflection, action research and continuous improvement. The ideas expressed in this paper need to be tested further. This paper includes an invitation to researchers and practitioners to contribute to or collaborate in this process.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a framework that any individual or organisation can use as a basis for immediate implementation of SRM in any project or organisation.Originality/valueThis paper provides a summary of how a doctoral dissertation can be adapted, improved and used to benefit project and organisation management world‐wide.