Enhancing stakeholder inclusion for long-term value creation and sustainability
Modern businesses face increasing scrutiny to integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives into their decision-making processes. Based on in-depth literature review and interviews with practitioners and leaders involved in stakeholder management in the public and private sector, the team of our Young Professionals Program has published a white paper proposing the Stakeholder Inclusion Framework: a roadmap designed to embed stakeholder interests — ranging from employees and local communities to future generations and the environment — within corporate governance structures. At its core is the concept of a Societal Council, an advisory body representing internal and external stakeholders, tasked with guiding strategy, decision-making, and accountability.
By adopting the Societal Council model, organisations can transition toward inclusive governance, fostering trust, collaboration, and innovation. This approach aligns with regulatory requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) while addressing societal expectations and sustainability goals.
The white paper details how this model builds on successful case studies from global corporations and integrates theoretical insights and practical exercises. Businesses embracing this approach will be better positioned to drive sustainable growth, foster trust, and create long-term value for all stakeholders.
Key highlights:
- Insights from experts and practitioners on the forces pushing on businesses to become more stakeholder inclusive;
- The Stakeholder Inclusion Framework, describing levels of approaches to integrating stakeholder interests into strategic decision making;
- Case studies of organizations who have bodies in their corporate governance which resemble a level of the Stakeholder Inclusion Framework, proving its real-world business value;
- Considerations relevant to the successful implementation and operation of a Societal Council, including insights from experts and practitioners;
- Next steps to implement and empower a Societal Council within an organization.
English 
Nederlands