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Stakeholders and Sustainability: An Evolving Theory

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  • Kevin Gibson

Abstract

This conceptual article has three parts: In the first, I discuss the shortcomings of treating the environment as a stakeholder and conclude that doing so is theoretically vague and lacks prescriptive force. In the second part, I recommend moving from broad notions of preserving nature and appeals to beauty to a more concrete analytic framework provided by the idea of human sustainability. Using sustainability as the focus of concern is significant as it provides us with a more tenable and quantifiable standard for action, as in the case of carbon offsets and development of measures such as the United Nations Sustainability Indicators. In the final section, I draw on notions of stewardship to suggest that stakeholder management has a positive responsibility to promote sustainability. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Gibson, 2012. "Stakeholders and Sustainability: An Evolving Theory," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 109(1), pages 15-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:109:y:2012:i:1:p:15-25
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-012-1376-5
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