Stakeholder considerations in public-private partnerships

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how an understanding of the alignment of goals of customers, employees and investors can aid in the partner selection process. The paper explains the opportunities and challenges offered by a keen examination of a restrained stakeholder view of the firm. It also explains the relational challenges of partner selection together with the interactive effects of these variables.Design/methodology/approachThe design uses secondary data focused on customers, employees and investors’ goals and their alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Consumer behaviour data on issues related to SDGs, research on employee’s work motivation and the goals of investors, both institutional and individual, are investigated.FindingsTo develop effective public–private partnerships (PPPs), the goals and behaviours of both parties must be recognised, considered and addressed. The goals and priorities of these entities are not always well aligned with SDG goals. In selecting partners, non-government organisations will benefit from recognising the differing goals of stakeholders and common ground for actions.Research limitations/implicationsThe model examines only three stakeholder groups: consumers, investors and employees.Practical implicationsA selection process based on a solid understanding of key stakeholders can offer the necessary information to target partners that are more likely to succeed in implementing strategies geared towards the SDGs.Social implicationsWhile PPPs have the potential to be successful, to achieve significant gains in advancing the SDG agenda, there must be “buy-in” from relevant stakeholders associated with the partnerships.Originality/valueThe paper addresses some issues seldom addressed in SDG PPP writing.