Stakeholder Dynamics Research Articles

Stakeholder Dynamics in Land Development Projects

This paper analyzes stakeholder interactions in land disputes using an emerging spatial theory of property governance. In 2001, Nestlé, the largest food and beverage manufacturer in the world, attempted to construct a water-bottling plant in the rural town of McCloud, California. Although the local government and most of the residents supported the development, Nestlé withdrew from its development plans after 6 years of fierce opposition fueled by members of the neighboring communities, competing businesses, and national environmental groups. Analyzing the stakeholder dynamics in this case study demonstrates why the emergent theory of overlapping property rights is adding to scholarly understanding of how property disputes unfold.

Modelling Stakeholder Dynamics for Supporting Group Decision and Negotiation: Theory to Practice

Group Decision and Negotiation methods can help identify optimal, or efficient, solutions to complex problems and so aid decision-makers. However, recommendations depend for their success, in part, on their political feasibility within, usually, complex organisational settings. A part of the complexity of effective implementation derives from understanding the responses of stakeholders to the proposed decisions. The responses of stakeholders can be complex because stakeholders respond not just to the decision but also to the responses of other stakeholders. When the recommendations are very important, and when the possible stakeholder responses are likely to be complex, then the use of some form of modelling of stakeholder dynamics is likely to be helpful. This paper proposes such a modelling process designed to aid the thinking of a decision-making team as they seek to ensure their decision is politically feasible. The modelling process is designed to facilitate effective negotiation in groups about the potential impact of stakeholder responses. The modelling process is illustrated through a real case.

337 Barriers to Laparoscopic Surgical Training for Abdominal Conditions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICS): A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Resource-deprived low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) can benefit from the reduced perioperative morbidity of laparoscopic surgery. However, utilisation is low, partly due to paucity of appropriately trained staff. This study aims to explore the barriers to the training of healthcare professionals in laparoscopic techniques in LMICs. Method Medline, Embase, Global Health and Web of Science databases were searched, using the key terms ‘LMIC’, ‘Laparoscopy’ and ‘Training’. Eligible papers were in English, focused on abdominal laparoscopy and addressed barriers to training qualified health professionals. Papers focusing on advanced surgeries, paediatrics, and training in high-income countries were excluded. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Results Funding was the first of seven key barriers identified, but feasible low-cost methods have been developed in some settings. Equipment limitations and lack of local trainers were highlighted, and expatriates may provide limited quality training opportunities. Stakeholder dynamics can create barriers, as can lack of knowledge on effective training curricula. Surgical departmental structure can limit the practical opportunities of trainees. Conclusions Themes are apparent across LMICs, but local factors reduce their generalisability, highlighting the need for larger-scale studies focusing on specific barriers. National investment in training programmes with research-backed curriculums and increased availability of local trainers and equipment is needed.

Urban regeneration and stakeholder dynamics in the formation, growth and maintenance of the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the 1990s

This article presents a case study of the formation and growth of the Sheffield International Documentary Festival (SIDF)—later renamed Sheffield Doc/Fest—in the 1990s. It uses archival sources to understand a crucial question: why was the festival located in a post-industrial city like Sheffield? By the end of the 1980s, the city was undergoing economic transformation, from ‘steel city’ to ‘post-steel city’, in the process suffering an identity crisis given its decades of dependence on its former steel industry. With a focus on the motivations of the political, industrial, cultural, and academic stakeholders that were central to the festival’s formation and growth, the article demonstrates how an exploration of festival formation in a post-industrial city, using a political economic approach, can allow for a fuller understanding of the formation, growth, and maintenance of festivals in a post-industrial context.

Stakeholder dynamics in residential solar energy adoption: findings from focus group discussions in Germany

Although there is a clear indication that stages of residential decision making are characterized by their own stakeholders, activities, and outcomes, many studies on residential low-carbon technology adoption only implicitly address stage-specific dynamics. This paper explores stakeholder influences on residential photovoltaic adoption from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. The major objective is the understanding of underlying mechanisms to better exploit the potential for residential photovoltaic uptake. Four focus groups have been conducted in close collaboration with the independent institute for social science research SINUS Markt- und Sozialforschung in East Germany. By applying a qualitative content analysis, major influence dynamics within three decision stages are synthesized with the help of egocentric network maps from the perspective of residential decision-makers. Results indicate that actors closest in terms of emotional and spatial proximity such as members of the social network represent the major influence on residential PV decision-making throughout the stages. Furthermore, decision-makers with a higher level of knowledge are more likely to move on to the subsequent stage. A shift from passive exposure to proactive search takes place through the process, but this shift is less pronounced among risk-averse decision-makers who continuously request proactive influences. The discussions revealed largely unexploited potential regarding the stakeholders local utilities and local governments who are perceived as independent, trustworthy and credible stakeholders. Public stakeholders must fulfill their responsibility in achieving climate goals by advising, assisting, and financing services for low-carbon technology adoption at the local level. Supporting community initiatives through political frameworks appears to be another promising step.

Capital and symbolic power in water quality governance: stakeholder dynamics in managing nonpoint sources pollution

Maintaining quantity and quality is a primary concern in the supply of drinking water. One critical indicator of water quality is nonpoint sources (NPS) pollution. However, persistent risks regarding water quality maintenance have often resulted from compounded social dynamics occurring within and between institutions, while solutions tend to concentrate on scientific/technological treatments. The present study aims to analyse the social dynamics operating within and between such institutions, with a particular focus on the management of NPS pollution that involves the participation of headwater residents. A qualitative case study was conducted on the management of the headwater in Taipei metropolis. The study applied Bourdieu's field theory to understand the mechanism of social interaction and diverse interests among stakeholders. Through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, this research investigated their perceptions regarding various water quality threats and treatments, also mechanisms and gaps in the implementation of NPS pollution-related policies. The study then interpreted emerging issues by considering the stakeholders' various forms of capital input, their strategies in capital exchange and accumulation, as well as the diverse symbolic powers in water quality governance. The research indicates that the ambiguous character of NPS pollution leads to diverse perceptions towards water quality risk, and the ambivalent strategies in negotiation also create barriers to stable stakeholder relationships. Consequently, the research suggests that technocratic-centred governance should also contain sociological perspectives on personal mentality and power dynamic in the society.

Barriers to training in laparoscopic surgery in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Laparoscopic surgery has the potential to improve care in resource-deprived low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to analyse the barriers to training in laparoscopic surgery in LMICs. Medline, Embase, Global Health and Web of Science were searched using ‘LMIC’, ‘Laparoscopy’ and ‘Training’. Two researchers screened results with mutual agreement. Included papers were in English, focused on abdominal laparoscopy and training in LMICs. PRISMA guidelines were followed; 2992 records were screened, and 86 full-text articles reviewed to give 26 key papers. Thematic grouping identified seven key barriers: funding; availability and maintenance of equipment; local access to experienced laparoscopic trainers; stakeholder dynamics; lack of knowledge on effective training curricula; surgical departmental structure and practical opportunities for trainees. In low-resource settings, technological advances may offer low-cost solutions in the successful implementation of laparoscopic training and improve access to surgical care.

A conceptual model identifying apartment owners' attitude formation towards solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption

PurposeThis paper addresses the current lack of solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption by Australian apartment dwellers by proposing a conceptual model that identifies and integrates the factors influencing owners' attitudes towards PV adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model, which this paper terms the apartment-based solar adoption (ASA) model, is developed by applying motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA) theory to relevant findings in property development, green energy and strata governance literature.FindingsThe ASA model demonstrates the process by which an apartment-owning consumer may progress from considering solar PV adoption to recommending the action to their strata property's Owners' Committee (OC). It incorporates three motivational drivers (pragmatic considerations, perceived values and perceived social norms), three conditional mediators (location accessibility, resource availability and decision-making conditions) and three requirements from the consumer (actual and perceived knowledge, the ability to participate in decision-making and social connections and status).Research limitations/implicationsThis article contributes originality to research on two counts. Firstly, it provides a conceptual framework of specific relevance to issues concerning solar PV adoption, and secondly, it offers a systematic means for research into strata governance decision-making. Further research is required to develop the means with which to utilise the model prescriptively and measure longitudinal effects, such as ongoing trends in apartment owners' motivations. Further research is also recommended into how the ASA model may be utilised to identify generalisable consumer typologies among apartment owners.Practical implicationsThe ASA model may assist building maintenance providers in developing and marketing solar PV services tailored to apartment residents' requirements and enhance strata managers' ability to inform and guide apartment owners. In turn, property developers would be able to review apartment-based solar projects, measure their increased value and decreased energy costs and incorporate this information when planning future developments.Social implicationsThe ASA model may provide a template for apartment owners and owners' corporations considering solar PV for their property. Public policymakers could also refer to the model to incentivise apartment-based solar PV adoption, whether through designing local information campaigns, developing financial incentives or mitigating identified regulatory barriers. By facilitating solar PV adoption in Australian apartment housing, the model may ensure sustainable post-carbon energy consumption for Australia's housing stock and act as an example for high-density housing development internationally.Originality/valueThe ASA model addresses the many drivers and barriers known to affect solar PV adoption by apartment owners, presenting a framework on which to arrange these factors and outline their causal relationships. This framework may inform strata properties' future solar PV adoption initiatives by incorporating their specific physical characteristics, stakeholder dynamics and institutional structure. It also consolidates and provides generalisability to the concepts established in current literature.

Managing stakeholder dynamics and complexity in mega infrastructure projects

Managing stakeholder dynamics and complexity in mega infrastructure projects

Financial technology in the Finnish banking sector and its impact on stakeholders in the wake of COVID-19

Financial Technology (FinTech, hereafter) has integrated with the banking sector. Despite its fast growth, FinTech is a relatively new and under-explored phenomenon in the academic and corporate spheres. The current study aims to explore, first, the role and relevance of FinTech in the commercial banking sector in Finland; and second, the changing dynamics of stakeholders of the banking industry in the light of FinTech. The above objectives have been studied in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary data has been collected through semi-structured interviews. A significant impact of FinTech has been observed in the following aspects of the banking sector: customers, strategy, risk management, investors, operations, competitiveness, and future growth. FinTech adoption has been contributed by the growth in the IT sector and innovations in the field of firm financing including crowdsourcing and peer-to-peer financing. Changing customers’ demands and behaviour have also facilitated FinTech adoption (Lee & Teo, 2015). Banks have been integrating FinTech into insurance services and this feature has become more profound ever since banks increased their cooperation with international insurance companies (Paschen, Wilson, & Ferreira, 2020). Similarly, there has been a significant increase in collaboration between banks and FinTech start-ups. Nonetheless, the unpredictable factors, such as the ongoing COVID-19, can influence the future innovation and adoption of FinTech.

Rambience: Restaurant Management Design for Stakeholder Dynamics

Rambience: Restaurant Management Design for Stakeholder Dynamics

Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions: A Synthesis of the Literature

Despite the intensive research on residential photovoltaic adoption, there is a lack of understanding regarding the social dynamics that drive adoption decisions. Innovation diffusion is a social process, whereby communication structures and the relations between sender and receiver influence what information is perceived and how it is interpreted. This paper addresses this research gap by investigating stakeholder influences in household decision-making from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. A literature review derives major influence dynamics which are then synthesized based on egocentric network maps for distinct process stages. The findings show a multitude of stakeholders that can be relevant in influencing photovoltaic adoption decisions of owner-occupied households. Household decision-makers are mainly influenced by stakeholders of their social network like family, neighbors, and friends as well as PV-related services like providers and civil society groups. The perceived closeness and likeability of a stakeholder indicate a higher level of influence because of greater trust involved. Furthermore, the findings indicate that social influence shifts gradually from many different stakeholders to a few core stakeholders later on in the decision-making process. These insights suggest that photovoltaic (PV) adoption may be more reliably predicted if a process perspective is taken into account that not only distinguishes between different stakeholders but considers their dynamic importance along the process stages. In addition, especially time- and location-bound factors affect the influence strength. This clearly shows the importance of local and targeted interventions to accelerate the uptake.

Esports Governance: Exploring Stakeholder Dynamics

Esports is a rapidly growing industry. However, the unidentifiable governance structure of the industry has contributed to a number of integrity-eroding activities. By exploring esports stakeholder dynamics, this paper answers the question, “Is the esports governance model sustainable?” Data were sourced from documentation, focus groups (N = 3) and semi-structured interviews (N = 6). Thematic analysis was conducted using Nvivo. The findings suggest that (1) the current esports governance framework features some attributes of the “lead organisation-governed network”, with the power residing mainly in game publishers; (2) the rising power of other stakeholders in the network seeking to address integrity issues has caused fragmentation of the esports governance framework; (3) esports governance is evolving towards a network administration organisation (NAO) model. Such evolution has a few challenges—most notably, the compliance of game publishers. Given the social impact of the integrity issues, governments should play a main role in facilitating a NAO model.

Stakeholder dynamics of contextual ambidextrous capabilities and authenticity: A conceptual synchronisation for competitive advantage

The combined effect of strategic ambidextrous management (dynamic capabilities and contextual ambidexterity), marketing and brand communication management has been implicitly and explicitly identified as bearing critical implications for competitive advantage. However, the mutual influence of these knowledge streams on competitive advantage as well as its key component of contextual ambidexterity are much under-researched. This article follows an inductive constructivist method to develop a theoretically founded conceptualisation of the means through which the various stakeholder contextual ambidextrous dynamic capabilities can leverage the organisational authenticity learning process in cross-functional management to explore and exploit new competitive advantage scopes. Specifically, this research proposes a theoretically synchronised conceptual framework that focuses on identified key attributes of the knowledge streams, interlinking their individual and combined influences on brand positioning and corporate reputation for the creation of competitive advantage. Scholarly and empirical implications are also presented along with future research avenues.

Experiment-based policy change over time: Learning from experiences in the Dutch fen landscape

This study provides insight into the potential of experiment-based policy making to address complex environmental challenges. The investigation shows the usefulness of making an analytical distinction between incremental and synoptic policy experiments to understand successful change over time. Incremental refers here to gradual adjustment of policies in a specific context, synoptic to radical change of policies on a large scale. Success is understood in terms of drawing lessons and realising policy goals, enabling diffusion and improving environmental status. This unique study, including both the initial investigation and a follow-up 10 years after, analyses the dynamics that emerged from seven empirical cases to identify factors affecting the design and success of these two types of experiments. We studied three incremental experiments and four synoptic experiments in the Dutch fen landscape to learn from their practical experiences. This densely populated and commercially used landscape is vulnerable to environmental pressure such as precipitation peaks, sea level rise and droughts. Initiators of the incremental experiments were able to change land-use management practices, albeit staying relatively close to the status quo. In contrast, while initiators of the synoptic experiments expressed higher ambitions in terms of change, these experiments tended to experience stagnation and difficulties in implementation and diffusion. Observations reveal that experiment-based policy change may crucially depend on capacity to deal with stakeholder dynamics and to embed experiments within multi-level institutional settings.

Integrating a rich picture diagram and causal loop diagram to model stakeholder engagement in building refurbishment projects

PurposeThe more contemporary views on managing projects recommend stakeholder engagement as an important part of the process. Challenges have been reported when attempting to involve project stakeholders in a construction project due to the complexity of the processes. In projects such as refurbishment projects, the efforts to incorporate end users' needs and preferences into spatial environmental functions increase the complexity of stakeholder engagement during the journey of the project. This paper presents a unique technique used to integrate different tools within the system enquiry methodology in modelling the project stakeholder engagement process for refurbishment projects.Design/methodology/approachAiming to address the problem, system dynamics (SD) has been selected as the most suitable method for modelling the dynamic behaviour of this complex system over time. A tool known as a rich picture diagram (RPD) is proposed as the precursor of the development of a causal loop diagram (CLD) to facilitate a more holistic abstraction for applicable solutions. An example of a single case study involving the refurbishment of a higher education building project is presented to explain the analysis undertaken in the process of developing the CLD that models the dynamic behaviour within end-user stakeholder engagement.FindingsThis paper demonstrates the complementarity capabilities of the soft and hard systems of enquiry in modelling stakeholder's dynamics within the refurbishment construction contexts. The RPD soft system tool was found useful to congregate diverse stakeholder expressions and experiences of a complex system in a holistic manner. Subsequently, the development of the CLD was fully guided by the information and relationship captured and presented in the RPD to yield a representative system model. Furthermore, this paper also reports the dynamics of the actors, situations, events and their inter-relationship found in the presented refurbishment project.Originality/valueThis paper enriches the techniques within the system enquiry methodology by integrating hard and soft system tools for dynamic process modelling purposes. This is particularly achieved by utilizing the RPD as the precursor of SD that provides a useful way for researchers and stakeholders to fully understand the dynamics and develop robust systemic interventions to optimize end-user stakeholder engagement during the journey of refurbishment projects, particularly of higher education buildings.

A systems approach to assessing complexity in health interventions: an effectiveness decay model for integrated community case management

ABSTRACT Complexity is inherent to any system or program. This is especially true of integrated interventions, such as integrated community case management (iCCM). iCCM is a child health strategy designed to provide services through community health workers (CHWs) within hard-to-reach areas of low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). It is comprised of many interlinked program components, processes and stakeholders. Elucidating the complexity of such programs is essential to designing interventions that respond to local contexts and successfully plan for sustainable integration. A pragmatic approach has yet to be developed that holistically assesses the many dimensions of iCCM or other integrated programs, their alignment with local systems, and how well they provide effective care. We propose an accessible systems approach to both measuring systems effectiveness and assessing its underlying complexity using a combination of systems thinking tools. We propose an effectiveness decay model for iCCM implementation to measure where patient loss occurs along the trajectory of care. The approach uses process mapping to examine critical bottlenecks of iCCM processes, their influence on effectiveness decay, and their integration into local systems; regression analysis and structural equation modeling to determine effects of key indicators on programmatic outcomes; and qualitative analysis with causal loop diagramming to assess stakeholder dynamics and their interactions within the iCCM program. An accurate assessment of the quality, effectiveness, and strength of community-based interventions relies on more than measuring core indicators and program outcomes; it requires an exploration of how its actors and core components interact as part of a system. Our approach produces an interactive iCCM effectiveness decay model to understand patient loss in context, examines key systems issues, and uses a range of systems thinking tools to assess the dynamic interactions that coalesce to produce observed program outcomes.

Momentum for Change and Stakeholder Dynamics in the Public Sector

This paper examines how stakeholder dynamics influence the momentum for change in a public sector context. Creating and maintaining energy is essential for reaching planned change goals. Existing research suggests that social interactions among stakeholders influence the momentum for change. While the role of internal stakeholders has been documented, we know less about how external stakeholders can influence planned change processes, yet particularly in the public sector, externals often play an important role. This inductive study draws on the experiences of a top manager and adopts a collaborative research approach to show how external stakeholders can influence change processes. We compare and contrast two change processes within the same public sector organization, where one change process resulted in goal attainment while the other came to naught. Our analysis shows how stakeholder interaction can either amplify or kill the momentum for change. Four dynamic patterns influence momentum for change: external stakeholders influence the process, internal stakeholders mobilize external stakeholders and vice versa, external stakeholders trigger multiple stakeholders and external stakeholders legitimize shifting positions.

When Consumers Lose Power: An Examination of the Stakeholder Dynamics in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Primary stakeholders’ pressure has long been considered the main reason that for-profit firms engage in CSR. However, prior studies are generally silent on how industry features can drastically reshape the dynamics between a firm and multiple primary stakeholders. By integrating the economic theory of credence goods with the stakeholder framework, we posit that the extent to which consumers can evaluate the qualities of goods can alter the dynamics between a firm and its two primary stakeholders, i.e., regulators and consumers. Longitudinal data collected 72 public U.S. pharmaceutical companies indicate that consumers of credence goods can be reduced to secondary stakeholder status, exerting influence on firms only through another primary stakeholder. Further, contrary to the conventional wisdom that innovative firms are more capable of resisting pressure from stakeholders, we find that R&D intensity increases the dependency of pharmaceutical firms on regulator. Lastly, we do not find that lobbying directly mitigate regulator’s pressure; however, it reduces the dependency of R&D intense firms on the regulator.

Social value for whom, by whom and when? Managing stakeholder dynamics in a UK megaproject

Studies of project success have generally recognised the role that stakeholder management plays in shaping a collective understanding of value. While these studies have typically focused on new builds, few studies have examined stakeholder management at the end of the life of a built asset. This paper draws on a single megaproject case study into social value in nuclear decommissioning and remediation to examine how ‘success’ or ‘failure’ in projects is framed and the implications of stakeholder management in shaping these notions of performance. By tracing the historical development of Dounreay, UK, an experimental nuclear energy site at an advanced stage of decommissioning, it was found that key stakeholders change over time, as those most affected by the changing dynamics of the megaprojects come and go, with resulting impacts on the ways that conditions for success are framed and social value is defined. The authors’ findings stress the importance of taking a pluralistic and processual view of stakeholders and demonstrate the need for policymakers, practitioners and researchers to pay greater attention to fragmentation and integration of stakeholders’ interests and influences as they change over time. These dynamics of stakeholder management will in turn challenge preconceived ideas of success that are often framed in the early stages of a project.