Reimagining the language of engagement in a post-stakeholder world

Reed, Mark S.; Merkle, Bethann Garramon; Cook, Elizabeth J.; Hafferty, Caitlin; Hejnowicz, Adam P.; Holliman, Richard; Marder, Ian D.; Pool, Ursula; Raymond, Christopher M.; Wallen, Kenneth E.; Whyte, David; Ballesteros, Marta; Bhanbhro, Sadiq; Borota, Siniša; Brennan, Marnie L.; Carmen, Esther; Conway, Elaine A.; Everett, Rosie; Armstrong-Gibbs, Fiona; Jensen, Eric; Koren, Gerbrand; Lockett, Jenny; Obani, Pedi; O’Connor, Seb; Prange, Laurie; Mason, Jon; Robinson, Simon; Shukla, Priya; Tarrant, Anna; Marchetti, Alessandro; Stroobant, Mascha

Abstract

Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely used, yet little attention is paid to the possibility that its use may inadvertently perpetuate colonial narratives and reinforce systemic inequities. In this article, we critically examine the limitations of the stakeholder concept and its ambiguity, normativity, and exclusionary implications. We emphasise the importance of using language that gives a voice to marginalised groups, promotes inclusion and equity, and fosters meaningful and reflexive participation in decision-making processes. In critiquing the use of the term and calling for alternative practices, we aim to contribute to the decolonisation of research norms and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies. Therefore, rather than advocating a single alternative term, we suggest a focus on the people, places, and species affected by decisions, interventions, projects, and issues.

Citation

Reed, M. S., Merkle, B. G., Cook, E. J., Hafferty, C., Hejnowicz, A. P., Holliman, R., Marder, I. D., Pool, U., Raymond, C. M., Wallen, K. E., Whyte, D., Ballesteros, M., Bhanbhro, S., Borota, S., Brennan, M. L., Carmen, E., Conway, E. A., Everett, R., Armstrong-Gibbs, F., Jensen, E., …Stroobant, M. (2024). Reimagining the language of engagement in a post-stakeholder world. Sustainability Science, 19(4), 1481-1490. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01496-4

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 27, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 29, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-07
• Deposit Date: May 29, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 29, 2024
• Journal: Sustainability Science
• Print ISSN: 1862-4065
• Electronic ISSN: 1862-4057
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1481-1490
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01496-4
• Keywords: Decolonisation; Engagement; Epistemic justice; Inclusivity; Ethical communication
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/35434200
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-024-01496-4
• Additional Information: Received: 18 September 2023; Accepted: 27 February 2024; First Online: 29 April 2024. The lead author is CEO of Fast Track Impact, a training company that helps researchers generate impact from their work. The authors have not disclosed any competing interests.