ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses internal interested parties and external interested parties. In the context of interested party, a person or an organisation that can affect, be affected by or be perceived to be affected by, a decision or an activity within the organisation. All relevant legal requirements, all relevant requirements imposed by higher authorities (e.g. corporate requirements) and all relevant requirements that the parties decide to comply with whether by contract (e.g. contractors) or voluntarily (e.g. environmental commitment). Issues may reflect direct concerns such as the quality of products or services or indirect concerns. Such concerns may impact on the interested party or may be issues derived from the party that impact on the company. The strategic direction is defined by: the purpose of organisation; mission; vision; and strategic plan, its implementation and its performance.
