Stakeholder Engagement Practices Research Articles

A Descriptive Analysis of Electronic Waste Management among Electronic Repair Vendors in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly growing global problem, with Africa generating 2.9 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019. In Tanzania, Mwanza faces a significant amount of e-waste and poor management of e-waste collection and disposal. This study conducted a descriptive analysis of e-waste management practices among electronic repair vendors in Mwanza City, Tanzania. The objective was to describe their current e-waste management practices, identify challenges, and highlight areas for improvement. The lack of awareness and inadequate practices among electronic repair vendors hinder effective e-waste management, contributing to the environmental and health risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous materials. A literature review revealed the importance of stakeholder engagement, improved awareness, and sustainable e-waste management practices in various African countries. This study employed a descriptive research design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data will be collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations targeting a sample of electronic repair vendors in Mwanza City. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that using e-waste as a spare part of other products and selling non-repairable e-waste to third parties are current e-waste management practices. Moreover, e-repair vendors have been found to contribute to e-waste management, particularly repair, collection, and storage. Based on these findings, the study recommends that an e-waste awareness campaign be instituted in the e-repair industry, that e-waste management be undertaken sustainably to combat unnecessary disposal, and that the deposition of e-waste and e-waste collection equipment(s) be provided to e-repair vendors for proper e-waste collection and management. Also, there is a need to conduct further studies to assess strategies used by local authorities to support e-repair vendors in e-waste management.

Corporate governance and stakeholder engagement in Nigerian enterprises: A review of current practices and future directions

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of corporate governance and stakeholder engagement practices within Nigerian enterprises, highlighting current trends and proposing future directions for improvement. In Nigeria, as in many emerging economies, effective corporate governance and stakeholder engagement are critical for sustainable business success, investor confidence, and overall economic development. The review begins by outlining the regulatory framework governing corporate governance in Nigeria, emphasizing the role of legislation, regulatory bodies, and corporate governance codes in shaping organizational practices. It identifies key stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, communities, and government entities, and underscores the importance of engaging with each group to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. The paper evaluates current corporate governance practices in Nigerian enterprises, emphasizing strengths such as board composition, financial reporting, and compliance mechanisms, while also addressing weaknesses such as board independence, executive compensation, and risk management frameworks. It explores the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on governance dynamics, acknowledging the need for context-specific approaches tailored to Nigeria's unique business environment. Investing in stakeholder engagement initiatives that prioritize dialogue, collaboration and shared value creation, aligning business objectives with societal needs and expectations. Incorporating technology-driven solutions to facilitate real-time communication and feedback loops with stakeholders, leveraging digital platforms for transparent and responsive engagement. Overall, this paper underscores the importance of effective corporate governance and stakeholder engagement in driving long-term value creation and sustainable development in Nigerian enterprises. By embracing best practices and embracing stakeholder-centric approaches, organizations can foster trust, resilience, and prosperity in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape.

STRATEGIES AND OUTCOMES OF CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT IN THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY: A REVIEW

Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in the oil and gas industry has become increasingly important for companies seeking to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. This review provides an overview of the strategies and outcomes associated with CSI in the oil and gas sector, highlighting key findings from a comprehensive review of existing literature. The review explores various strategies employed by oil and gas companies to engage in CSI initiatives, including community development projects, environmental conservation efforts, and partnerships with local stakeholders. It also examines the outcomes of these initiatives, focusing on their impact on communities, the environment, and the companies themselves. Key findings indicate that effective CSI strategies in the oil and gas industry involve a combination of financial investment, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development practices. Companies that prioritize long-term partnerships with local communities and actively involve them in decision-making processes tend to achieve better outcomes in terms of social and environmental impact. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of measuring and reporting on the outcomes of CSI initiatives to demonstrate accountability and transparency. Companies that are able to effectively communicate the social and environmental benefits of their CSI efforts are more likely to enhance their reputation and build trust with stakeholders. Overall, the review suggests that CSI can play a crucial role in enhancing the social license to operate for oil and gas companies, contributing to sustainable development and positive outcomes for communities and the environment.
 Keywords: Strategies, Outcomes, Corporate Social Investment, Oil and Gas, Industry.

Development of a circularity design methodology for urban factories based on systemic thinking and stakeholders engagement

To provide factories with a sustainable model to manufacture inside urban areas, the concept of urban factories has been proposed as a solution that utilizes proximity throughout the value chain. To leverage this proximity, and re-conceptualize the highly available urban waste, circular strategies have been deployed. This has allowed urban factories to contribute to a sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12). To develop a circularity design methodology for urban factories, a design thinking approach has been used in 5 steps in which (1) a need has been formalized from a systematic literature review, (2) a prototype has been proposed using the principles of systemic design, (3) workshops have been organized with key users to test the proposal, (4) feedbacks have been collected, and (5) the proposal has been improved accordingly through an iteration to the second step. The cycle has been repeated 4 times in 4 different workshops, which has resulted in the development of the latest version of the circularity design methodology presented in this paper. The proposed methodology is structured in 3 phases. First, the exploratory phase in which sustainability objectives are formalized and the scope of action is identified accordingly using an impact assessment method. Second, the formative phase in which new sustainable business models are designed using circular strategies and local stakeholder's engagement practices. Finally, the evaluative phase in which the designed models are evaluated. To illustrate the application of the proposed methodology, a case study on an arcade machines urban factory has been presented in this paper. In total, 8 circular models have been designed to mitigate the climate change and resources damages associated with the life cycle of the arcade machines. The proposed circularity design methodology could be adapted for other structures to improve their sustainability and other dimensions linked to their activities.

Models and strategies for implementation of social responsibility in modern enterprises

As contemporary enterprises navigate the complex landscape of global business, the imperative to embrace and effectively manage social responsibility has become paramount. This research article delves into the multifaceted dimensions of social responsibility within modern enterprises, exploring the evolving role of businesses in addressing societal and environmental challenges. The study employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, case analyses, and empirical investigations to illuminate the strategies and frameworks employed by enterprises in managing their social responsibility. The first section analyses the theoretical foundations of social responsibility management, emphasizing the evolving perspectives and conceptual frameworks that guide corporate behavior. It critically evaluates the integration of ethical considerations, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business practices within the broader context of social responsibility. The second section investigates the practical implementation of social responsibility initiatives across diverse industries. The article examines successful models and identifies common challenges faced by enterprises in aligning their operations with socially responsible practices. It analyzes the impact of such initiatives on corporate reputation, stakeholder relations, and overall business performance. This research article contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering theoretical insights, practical implications, and future considerations for businesses seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of social responsibility.

Exploring Stakeholder Perceptions and Implementation Challenges of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) 2015 in Pakistan

Introduction: The Pakistan Qualification Framework (PQF) is a mechanism for classifying qualifications based on learning outcomes such as skills, competence, and knowledge. It is levels-based and outcomes-focused, encompassing quality-assured qualifications in Pakistan. Methodology: This study used qualitative approach to evaluate and analyze reports, policies and studies for the PQF's alignment with international standards, stakeholder engagement, and its impact on quality assurance and educational reform through comparative analysis and stakeholder surveys. Results/Findings: Misalignment with international standards and limited stakeholder awareness were identified as key challenges. Improved stakeholder engagement and alignment practices were recommended. Future Direction: Further research will explore international best practices for PQF alignment and strategies to enhance stakeholder involvement and awareness.

Internal Quality Assurance System to Improve Lecturer Performance and Its Relevance to Education Quality at ITB Swadharma

To improve teacher performance and education quality at ITB Swadharma, this research explains the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS). The qualitative case study research focuses on ITB Swadharma's Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). Data collection methods include direct observation, document and archival searches, and interviews. The research shows that IQAS at ITB Swadharma improves education through research and innovation. ITB Swadharma can improve inclusivity, relevance, and comprehensiveness by focusing on program evaluation, student empowerment, technology implementation, industry collaboration, internal quality monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and best practices adoption. The institution can better adapt to education sector and student needs with IQAS. ITB Swadharma can improve educational quality by incorporating students, alumni, staff, the local community, and industry partners. According to ITB Swadharma's QAI's academic and quality documents, the IQAS Cycle implements IQAS policies and ideas. Leadership commitment, auditor shortages, and IQAS routineness are issues. Quality assurance expertise, auditor training, and a culture of quality assurance address these issues. The results of annual IQAS examination are used to promote quality. Quality management criteria from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN PT) and the Independent Accreditation Agency (LAM) influence IQAS implementation.

Stakeholder engagement disclosures in sustainability reports: Evidence from Italian food companies

AbstractMore businesses are embedding stakeholder engagement (SE) practices in their corporate disclosures. This article explores the extent to which SE practices are featured in the sustainability reports (SRs) of 48 Italian food and beverage businesses, following the latest Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. The researchers analyze the content of their SRs dated 2020 and 2021. They utilize a panel regression technique to examine the relationship between stakeholder engagement disclosures (SED) and corporate financial performance (CFP), and to investigate the mediating role of SR assurance. The results show a positive and significant relationship between SED and CFP. They also confirm that there is a moderating effect from SR assurance on this causal path. However, the findings reveal that SED in SRs of Italian food companies is still moderate. This contribution builds on the logic behind the stakeholder theory. It implies that there is scope for food companies to forge relationships with stakeholders. It indicates that it is in their interest to disclose material information about their SE practices in their SR and to organize third party assurance assessments in order to improve their legitimacy with stakeholders.

External stakeholders and the social enterprise (SE) identity formation in a developing country context: a social exchange perspective

Purpose Drawing on theories of organisational identity, social exchange and stakeholder engagement, this study aims to investigate the processes and practices involved in the formation and shaping of identities of social enterprises (SEs) that operate in the Malawian hospitality and tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on an interpretive research paradigm, data collected from 22 semi-structured interviews with four founders of case SEs and stakeholders, and SEs’ reports and other publicly available documents were generated and analysed following a grounded theory approach. Findings The authors show that the trajectory SEs followed and the exchanges that occurred with the external stakeholders allowed three out of four case SEs to swiftly re-evaluate their pre-existing identities and work towards the formation of their new identities. Practical implications This study provides an opportunity for policymakers and other actors in developing countries to frame and place SEs in line with the wider societal realities in such contexts. This may in turn call for policymakers to increase actors’ engagement with SEs and provide the necessary support that can allow SEs to be an effective force for the public good. Originality/value This paper highlights the role of exchanges with external stakeholders in identity formation and shaping within SEs in the hospitality and tourism sector in the context of institutional voids. By adopting the social exchange theory, this paper introduces a dynamic lens to identity formation and shaping and helps to explain how, across different tourism ventures, stakeholder engagement and different modes of exchange unfold in the inter-organisational and community domains. It further shows how the ventures’ value orientations on the one hand, and stakeholder engagement practices and the ensuing exchanges, on the other hand, are closely interwoven.

Scaling up the transition: The role of corporate governance mechanisms in promoting circular economy strategies

This study examines the role of corporate governance (CG) mechanisms in promoting Circular Economy (CE) strategies among non-financial listed companies in manufacturing industries, which is still a relatively unexplored topic in the CE literature. Our findings indicate that the presence of stakeholder engagement practices, sustainability reporting, and environment management teams have a direct impact on the adoption of CE strategies, while the presence of a CSR committee, adherence to the United Nations' Global Compact, and executives' compensation linked to environmental, social, and corporate governance performance do not have a direct effect but support CE strategies through other mechanisms. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and managers as it shows that CG mechanisms can be used to promote the adoption of CE business models, thus contributing to climate risk mitigation objectives.

The Role of Multistakeholder Initiatives in the Radicalization of Resistance: The Forest Stewardship Council and the Mapuche Conflict in Chile

AbstractMulti‐stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) that address sustainability concerns have grown in importance in recent years. These private governance measures involving market, state and civil society actors aim to resolve disagreements between stakeholders through stakeholder engagement practices. However, our empirical study of the Mapuche conflict in Chile shows how a multi‐stakeholder initiative contributed to the radicalization of a protest movement leading to an escalation of violence that left all actors worse off. The implementation of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme, perhaps the best known MSI, exacerbated existing political discontent among the Indigenous Mapuche peoples who were resisting the expansion of industrial forest on their lands in southern Chile. Our findings indicate that MSIs cannot address the needs of marginalized stakeholders and may further undermine their interests. Our analysis enhances our understanding of the outcomes of MSIs by describing processes of radicalization as well as the role of the state in conflicts. The FSC certification scheme was incapable of addressing the key Mapuche demand for land rights. Instead, it raised false expectations, which coupled with corporate irresponsibility and state repression led to an escalation of violence. The increasing reliance on private governance measures in natural resource management, especially in countries of the so‐called Global South, can further exacerbate existing conflicts and hence it is important to understand how and why MSIs lead to negative outcomes.

A comparison of stakeholder engagement practices in voluntary sustainability standards

AbstractPractices of stakeholder engagement vary widely across voluntary sustainability standard setters. This study examines how the sponsorship structure of standard setters affects the diversity of stakeholders included in consultations and the influence of stakeholder input on standards. I compare six sustainability standard setters through an original dataset of 7945 stakeholder comments submitted during public comment periods between 2012 and 2019 to answer two research questions. First, are some standard setters better at balancing stakeholder representation than others? And second, does stakeholder influence vary across standard setters? I find that industry‐sponsored standards tend to attract more industry input than multistakeholder initiatives, but both tend to over‐represent legacy stakeholders. I also find that sponsorship is a poor predictor of which comments will be influential. Comments that seek to weaken or clarify the rules in voluntary sustainability standards are more likely to exert influence irrespective of the sponsorship of the standard setter.

Cancer care pathways mapping and dissemination toolkit: lessons learnt from cancer services in NSW, Australia.

Gaps and complexities exist in cancer referral and diagnosis in Australia, leading to delays in cancer treatments. Developing evidence-based referral pathways is important for promoting better and more timely cancer diagnosis and care. Type of program or service: This paper describes a toolkit endorsed by the Cancer Institute NSW as a guide for promoting best practice in localising cancer referral and diagnosis pathways in line with the national Optimal Care Pathways. Use of toolkit: Employing methods in the toolkit yielded an increased understanding of cancer care pathways, strengthened collaboration between tertiary and primary sector stakeholders, and enhanced the project skills of Cancer System Innovation Managers. The toolkit has become a valuable guide for consolidating referral pathways for various cancers in the NSW local health districts and could apply to cancer services in other jurisdictions. The pilot project showed that the toolkit is useful in developing referral pathways and reflects best stakeholder engagement practices. Local evidence should be generated to support systematic change and should include the perspectives of cancer patients and clinicians. NSW local health districts continue to use the toolkit methods to optimise care to improve outcomes for people living with cancer.

Advancing the scholarship and practice of stakeholder engagement in working landscapes: identifying and responding to six key research gaps

Advancing the scholarship and practice of stakeholder engagement in working landscapes: identifying and responding to six key research gaps

Pengaruh Pelibatan Pemangku Kepentingan dan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Pada Reputasi Perusahaan

The purchasing power of the community continues to increase towards food and beverage products, leading to the active production of companies in the food and beverage industry. Some companies pay attention to their social responsibility towards the surrounding environment. Therefore, by involving stakeholders and disclosing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in company operations, it can help address damage to the company's image. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of stakeholder engagement practices and CSR activity disclosure on corporate reputation. The sampling method used in this study is purposive sampling, with a total of 38 observations. The research findings indicate that stakeholder engagement and the disclosure of corporate social responsibility have a positive and significant impact on corporate reputation. The implication of this research is to provide input to company management to consistently disclose CSR activities and involve stakeholders inclusively.

Integration of stakeholder engagement practices in pursuit of social licence to operate in a modernising mining industry

The concept of mining modernisation has become topical in the quest for sustainable mining, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements. This is not surprising considering modernisation's important role in the current context of the 4th and anticipated 5th industrial revolutions. A mining company's success, competitiveness and sustainability largely hinges on its ability to proactively envision the future mine and plan an implementation pathway now rather than passively responding to its inevitable unfolding. Although the application of digital transformation has seen a slow, but steady uptake in the mining value chain, progress has largely been much slower in the stakeholder engagement space. This has been observed across the mining industry regardless of geographic location despite stakeholder engagement's central role in securing a social licence to operate. Much of the debate has focused on whether stakeholder engagement delivers a social licence to operate, and on the various stakeholder mapping and engagement frameworks. The fundamental aim of this review is to map the digital transformation of the mineral industry with a specific focus towards understanding how stakeholder engagement practices could be integrated in a mine's modernisation strategy to deliver a social licence to operate. In particular, we address: (a) the slow, but steady uptake of technology with potentially adverse effects on stakeholders, such as mining mechanisation, high underground pumping capabilities, and digital exploration; (b) how an understanding of responsible mine modernisation could influence the way the industry deploys people-centric technology for sustainability; (c) how considering stakeholder engagement as network building provides a valuable lens to understand digital transformation for social licence; (d) the promise of responsibly modernised engagement practises for the future mine; and (e) implications of responsibly modernised stakeholder engagement on skillsets of the future. Combining these topics effectively creates a stable mining network, thereby significantly reducing conflicts in mining ecosystems. Technology transformation in the mining value network will be more successful and sustainable if it does not lose sight of the need for a robust integrative stakeholder engagement approach.

Sustainability in Project Management and Project Success with Virtual Teams: A Quantitative Analysis Considering Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Management

Project success is crucial for businesses, but the impact of virtual teams on it is still not fully understood. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has led to the widespread adoption of virtual environment solutions to support geographically dispersed project teams. The growth in the use of virtual or hybrid teams in projects is expected to continue, as it presents an irreversible trend. Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in interest in sustainability in project management in recent years, emphasizing the long-term perspective for project success. To address this gap and contribute to the project success theory, a quantitative study was conducted to examine the impact of stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and sustainable practices in project management on project success in virtual work environments using structural equation modeling. Experienced Portuguese-speaking project management professionals were surveyed. No evidence was found to support the moderating role of virtual teams, concluding that the virtual nature of a team does not diminish stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, or sustainability in project management and its influence on project success. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing project success in virtual work environments, as it is the first of its kind to quantitatively address the sustainable long-term approach of project success in virtual environments.

Towards a dynamic approach to materiality: A lesson from COVID-19

ABSTRACT Over the past few years, there has been an increasing demand for non-financial information as stakeholders become more aware of the need to reconsider the global economy. This has led academics and policymakers to discuss the importance of companies disclosing their non-financial information to effectively engage with citizens and stakeholders. Recently, there has been a debate about moving away from traditional accountability practices based on annual disclosure of non-financial information towards a more dynamic approach that involves continuous engagement with stakeholders. Social media has been highlighted as an effective tool to achieve this, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the need for effective communication with stakeholders, which has led to the adoption of social media to share information. This paper aims to empirically evaluate the accountability practices of large Italian organisations during the pandemic by analysing data extracted from Twitter, providing new insights into the impacts of pandemics on stakeholder engagement practices.

Developing and Implementing Racial Health Equity Plans in 4 Large US Cities: A Qualitative Study.

Local health departments (LHDs) and their partners are critical components of the fight for racial health equity, particularly given the variation in levels of, and pathways to, inequities at the local level. To inform continued progress in this area, we qualitatively examined the development and implementation of equity-related plans and initiatives of LHDs within 4 large US cities: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. We conducted 15 semistructured interviews with 21 members of LHDs, academic institutions, health systems, and community-based organizations involved with health equity strategies or activities in their respective cities. Outcomes included perceptions of the effectiveness of the local health equity plan, participation in other equity-related initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and best practices. We contacted 49 individuals, of whom 2 declined and 21 accepted our interview invitation. Recruitment was stopped after we reached saturation. Thematic analysis identified 5 themes across interviews: (1) organizations were flexible in reallocating resources to address racial and health equity; (2) multidisciplinary teams are necessary for effective development and implementation of health equity plans; (3) community collaboration is required for meaningful and sustainable change; (4) there is a direct relationship between racism, structural inequities, and health outcomes; and (5) health departments have prioritized health equity plan development, but further work is required to address root causes. In the United States, health departments have begun to develop and implement strategic health plans focused on equity. However, the extent to which these plans result in actual initiatives (both internal and external) varied across cities. The current study increases our understanding of how different partners are working to implement structural changes, programs, and policies to reach equity-related goals in our largest urban areas, providing valuable insight for urban health advocates across the country.

Examining how study teams manage different viewpoints and priorities in patient-centered outcomes research: Results of an embedded multiple case study.

Limited evidence exists about which patient and stakeholder engagement practices support or hinder study teams as they negotiate different viewpoints in decisions about the design and conduct of patient-centered outcomes research. We applied a multiple-embedded descriptive case study design for six studies funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). We interviewed 32 researchers and stakeholder partners, including patients, caregiversand clinicians, and reviewed documents related to each study (e.g., publications, and progress reports submitted to PCORI). Overall, researchers reported that incorporating different viewpoints was a strength or opportunity to learn rather than something to be avoided or dreaded. Across cases, different viewpoints and priorities, often related to ethical or pragmatic considerations, emerged between researchers and stakeholders, between stakeholder groups (e.g., patients and clinicians)or within groups (e.g., amongst researchers). Examples of navigating different viewpoints arose across study phases. The length of time to resolve issues depended on how strongly people disagreed and the perceived importance or impact of decisions on the study. All cases used collaborative decision-making approaches, often described as consensus, throughout the study. Interviewees described consensus as using negotiation, compromiseor working towards an agreeable decision. To encourage consensus, cases actively facilitated group discussions with an openness to diverse opinions, remained flexible and open to trying new things, referenced a ground rule or common goaland delegated decisions to partners or smaller workgroups. When viewpoints were not easily resolved, cases used different approaches to reach final decisions while maintaining relationships with partners, such as elevating decisions to leadership or agreeing to test out an approach. No one engagement structure (e.g., advisory group, coinvestigator) stood out as better able to manage different viewpoints. Teams adjusted engagement structures and behaviours to facilitate an overall culture of inclusion and respect. Partners acknowledged the intentional efforts of researchers to incorporate their perspectives, navigate challengesand communicate the value of partner input. By using collaborative decision-making in the early stages and throughout the study, researchers built trust with partners so that when decisions were difficult to resolve, partners still felt listened to and that their input mattered. Members of the PCORI Patient Engagement Advisory Panel in 2019-2020 provided input into the design of the study, including the research questions and approaches to data collection and analysis.