In the decades since R. Edward Freeman first introduced stakeholder theory, which views firms in terms of their relationships to a broad set of partners, the stakeholder approach has drawn increasing attention as a model for ethical business. Edited by Freeman, alongside other leading scholars in stakeholder theory and strategic management, this handbook provides a comprehensive foundation for study in the field, with eighteen chapters covering some of the most important topics in stakeholder theory written by respected and highly cited experts. The chapters contain an overview of the topic, an examination of the most important research on the topic to date, an evaluation of that research, and suggestions for future directions. Given the pace of new scholarship in the field, this handbook will provide an essential reference on both foundational topics as well as new applications of stakeholder theory to entrepreneurship, sustainable business, corporate responsibility, and beyond.

‘The stakeholder approach to business is critical to bringing about widespread societal and planetary flourishing. This volume is an authoritative and indispensable contribution towards moving the stakeholder mindset to its deserved central place in business theory and practice.'

Raj Sisodia - F. W. Olin Distinguished Professor of Global Business, Babson College, Massachusetts and Co-founder and co-chairman of Conscious Capitalism International

‘The meteoric rise of stakeholder theory lights up every nook and cranny of business. It thrusts long neglected issues into the spotlight: the cooperative element of business success, the status of shareholder primacy, and the nature of the ‘value' in ‘value creation'. In this volume, a luminary cast of authors answers the latest questions driving the field, including the boundaries of the firm and the question of single versus pluralistic value creation. I encourage anyone who hopes to navigate the powerful current of stakeholder ideas to put this book at the top of their reading list. I predict it will become a touchstone for years to come.'

Thomas Donaldson - Mark O. Winkelman Professor, University of Pennsylvania