Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of the ways in which concepts of stakeholder engagement have evolved—or unfolded. It explores a theoretical framework for the dynamic interaction of stakeholder engagement processes. The book highlights the dynamic and interactive processes involved in stakeholder relationships in ways that go well beyond the usual static and one-sided wheel-and-spoke relationships typically considered. It focuses on activism's influence on companies in 'Public-interest groups as stakeholders: a "stakeholder salience" explanation of activism'. Today's global strategic manager is encouraged to view the world as a resource and the stakeholders with whom he or she interacts as possible allies—or adversaries. The mutuality of stakeholder engagement and responsibility creates the need to understand how the stakeholder interactions occur. Stakeholder demands create impacts, and sometimes unintended consequences.