The Principle of Good Faith: Toward Substantive Stakeholder Engagement

Although stakeholder theory is concerned with stakeholder engagement, substantive operational barometers of engagement are lacking in the literature. This theoretical paper attempts to strengthen the accountability aspect of normative stakeholder theory with a more robust notion of stakeholder engag...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Dawkins, Cedric E. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer 2014
In: Journal of business ethics
Year: 2014, Volume: 121, Issue: 2, Pages: 283-295
Further subjects:B Stakeholder input
B corporate accountability
B Stakeholder Theory
B Stakeholder activism
B Stakeholder engagement
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Description
Summary:Although stakeholder theory is concerned with stakeholder engagement, substantive operational barometers of engagement are lacking in the literature. This theoretical paper attempts to strengthen the accountability aspect of normative stakeholder theory with a more robust notion of stakeholder engagement derived from the concept of good faith. Specifically, it draws from the labor relations field to argue that altered power dynamics are essential underpinnings of a viable stakeholder engagement mechanism. After describing the tenets of substantive engagement, the paper draws from the labor relations and commercial law literatures to describe the characteristics of good faith as dialogue, negotiation, transparency, and totality of conduct; explains how they can be adapted and applied to the stakeholder context; and suggests the use of mediation and non-binding arbitration. The paper concludes by addressing anticipated objections and shortcomings and discussing implications for theory and research.
ISSN:1573-0697
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of business ethics
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/s10551-013-1697-z