Stakeholder
'steɪkˌhoʊldər
Definitions
A person, group, or organization with a vested interest in something (e.g., a company, project, or policy) and who can be affected by its actions, objectives, and outcomes.
'steɪkˌhoʊldər
A person, group, or organization that has an interest in a project, company, or process.
The company consulted with all stakeholders before making a major decision.
💡 Simply: Imagine a company that's making new toys. A stakeholder is anyone who cares about the toys – the people who work there, the people who buy the toys, even the kids who play with them!
👶 For kids: Someone who cares about something and is affected by it, like the people who own a store or the customers who shop there.
More Examples
Employee satisfaction is a key concern for many stakeholders.
We need to understand the needs of our stakeholders to ensure project success.
The environmental impact of the project worried some stakeholders.
How It's Used
"The stakeholders of the project include investors, employees, and customers."
"Identifying and managing stakeholder expectations is crucial for project success."
"Government officials need to consider the needs of various stakeholders when making policy decisions."
From the phrase 'stake' (a share or interest) + 'holder'. The term emerged in business and management contexts in the mid-20th century to broaden the focus beyond shareholders to include all those affected by a company's activities.
The term gained prominence in management literature and practice in the latter half of the 20th century, reflecting a shift towards considering a broader range of interests beyond just those of shareholders.
Memory tip
Think of someone who has a 'stake' or something to gain or lose from the outcome.
Word Origin
"A person or entity with an interest or 'stake' in something."