The Impact of Stakeholer Identities on Mutual Value Creation in Issue-Based Stakeholder Networks

Abstract

In the context of complex focal issues, superior value creation among affected stakeholders depends on the level of cooperation and trust in their relationships. Drawing on instrumental stakeholder theory, social identity theory, and the resource-based view of strategy theory, we develop a theoretical model that generates insights into how an individual’s identification with a stakeholder group influences corresponding intergroup relations regarding mutual value creation in a complex issue-based stakeholder network. We analyze possible identity-based conflicts between stakeholder groups and propose the concept of a superordinated stakeholder identity to realize the potentials of superior value creation in the context of a complex focal issue.