In Your Paper, You Will Address The Following Points: Which
In your paper, you will address the following points: which(internal or external stakeholders), if either, is more important?
Research and describe one organization that does a great job treating internal stakeholders. Research and describe one organization that does a great job treating external stakeholders.
Requirements: Length: a minimum of two pages, not including title or reference pages. Must use a minimum of two resources. The final product will be a paper that is double-spaced, APA formatted pages.
Paper For Above instruction
Effective stakeholder management is critical for organizational success, influencing both internal and external relationships. Internal stakeholders, such as employees and management, are essential for day-to-day operations, while external stakeholders include customers, suppliers, communities, and government agencies. Determining which group holds more importance depends on the organizational context, strategic goals, and the impact each has on sustainability and growth.
In evaluating internal versus external stakeholders, internal stakeholders often hold more direct influence over internal processes, organizational culture, and long-term strategic initiatives. For example, employees significantly contribute to productivity, innovation, and company reputation. They are the primary drivers behind delivering value to external stakeholders such as customers. An organization that exemplifies excellent treatment of internal stakeholders is Google. Google invests heavily in employee well-being, professional development, and creating a vibrant organizational culture, which in turn fuels innovation and productivity (Bock, 2015). Google's approach to internal stakeholder management demonstrates a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, offering competitive salaries, and encouraging open communication channels, all of which enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
On the other hand, external stakeholders are vital for maintaining the organization's reputation, market share, and regulatory compliance. A company that does an exemplary job in external stakeholder engagement is Patagonia. Patagonia is renowned for its environmental initiatives, transparent supply chains, and community engagement. The company's commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with consumers, suppliers, and environmental organizations. Patagonia’s proactive communication about environmental issues and its efforts to influence industry standards demonstrate a strategic focus on external stakeholder relationships, which has contributed to brand loyalty and market advantage (Hawken, 2013).
Considering the importance of both internal and external stakeholders, organizations must strike a balance between internal engagement and external social responsibility. Internal stakeholders primarily drive operational success, but external stakeholders influence the organization’s public image, market position, and regulatory environment. An integrated stakeholder management approach can foster sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive landscape.
In conclusion, while internal stakeholders such as employees are crucial for operational success, external stakeholders like customers and communities are equally vital in maintaining a company's reputation and ensuring long-term sustainability. The best organizations recognize this interconnectedness and prioritize strategies that foster positive relationships across both groups. Effective stakeholder management not only supports organizational goals but also enhances social license to operate, ultimately contributing to sustained success.
References
- Bock, L. (2015). Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead. Twelve.
- Hawken, P. (2013). The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability. Island Press.
- Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Pitman.
- Maak, T., & Pless, N. M. (2006). Responsible leadership in a stakeholder society. Journal of Business Ethics, 66(1), 99-115.
- Mitchell, R. K., Agle, B. R., & Wood, D. J. (1997). Toward a theory of stakeholder identification and salience. Academy of Management Review, 22(4), 853-886.
- Donaldson, T., & Preston, L. E. (1995). The stakeholder theory of the corporation: Concepts, evidence, and implications. Academy of Management Review, 20(1), 65-91.
- Edmans, A. (2011). Does the stock market fully value corporate social responsibility? The Review of Financial Studies, 24(3), 983-1006.
- Rogers, S. (2012). Practice makes permanency: Stakeholder management frameworks. Business and Society, 51(4), 410-430.
- Freeman, R. E., Wicks, A. C., & Parmar, B. (2004). Stakeholder theory and “the corporate objective.” Organization Science, 15(3), 364-369.
- Carroll, A. B. (1999). Corporate social responsibility: Evolution of a definitional construct. Business & Society, 38(3), 268-295.