This study derives a model of stakeholder management in small and medium-sized enterprises which describes the process from the owner-managers' personal ethics to the firm's eventual engagement with its stakeholders. Following a thorough review of literature published on stakeholder theory, ethical behaviour in organizations, and small and medium-sized companies, five hypotheses are put forward on which the model is based. The results of three case studies on owner-managed micro-enterprises from the Belgian beer producing industry are used to test the validity of the model and the hypotheses.
The results of the case studies on Belgian micro-breweries support the major part of the proposed SME stakeholder management model and the hypotheses it is based on. The perception of legitimate stakeholders is based on the personal ethics of the owner-manager. These are determined by the owner-manager's preference for a certain normative core and his stage of cognitive moral development. Perceived stakeholders will possess power over the company and/or have a legitimate moral or legal claim on the firm. Individual and situational moderators exist which can influence the transition from the owner-manager's personal ethic to his perception of important stakeholders. Relevant individual factors are the owner-manager's type and length of education and employment, family background, culture and nationality, as well as his locus of control. Situational influences found to be important are the views of relevant peers, (psychological) sanctions and rewards, moral intensity, and moral framing. The company's actual stakeholder management depends on whom the owner-manager perceives to be legitimate stakeholders. It may be instrumentally driven or normatively and can occur in a cooperative or competitive manner. The transition from stakeholder perception to actual stakeholder management can be affected by internal characteristics of the firm and by external environmental circumstances. Capital constraints and the need for the owner-manager to engage into 'fire-fighting' activities are discovered as influential internal characteristics. External environmental circumstances that exert an influence on the process are the specific characteristics of the brewing industry, power balances between the firms and their stakeholders, and social legislation as part of the PESTEL factors.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Acknowledgments
- Table of Contents
- Table of Figures
- ABSTRACT
- INTRODUCTION
- METHODOLOGY
- Literature Review
- Qualitative Research
- STAKEHOLDER THEORY
- Background and Related Fields of Study
- History of Stakeholder Theory
- Alternative Theories
- Stakeholder Definitions
- Stockholder-Stakeholder Theory Continuum
- Internal Debate: Foundation and Justification
- Ethical Decision Making
- Descriptive Stakeholder Theory
- Instrumental Stakeholder Theory
- Normative Stakeholder Theory
- Managerial Stakeholder Theory
- Convergent Stakeholder Theory
- Divergent Stakeholder Theory
- Criticisms of Stakeholder Theory
- Response: An Optimally Viable Version of Stakeholder Theory?
- Stakeholder Identification and Assessment of their Claims
- Power/Interest Stakeholder Map
- Power/Legitimacy/Urgency Stakeholder Classification
- Conclusion
- ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR IN ORGANIZATIONS
- Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations
- Interactionist Model of Ethical Decision Making in Organisations
- Stakeholder Management Model for Ethical Decision Making
- Conclusion
- SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
- SME Characteristics
- Existing Research
- Conclusion
- STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT IN SMES
- The Model
- Conclusion
- THE CASE STUDIES
- The Belgian Beer Brewing Industry
- Company Analyses
- Case Study I: Brussels Brewery
- Case Study II: Flanders Brewery
- Case Study III: Wallonia Brewery
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- CONCLUSION
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Scientific Sources
- Non-Scientific Sources
- Appendices
- Appendix 1: Interviews with Belgian Micro-Breweries
- Interview with the owner-managers of Brussels Brewery
- Interview with the owner-managers of Flanders Brewery
- Interview with the owner-managers of Wallonia Brewery
- Appendix 2: Model of Stakeholder Management in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis examines stakeholder management within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by focusing on the case of Belgian micro-breweries. The primary objective is to explore the practical application of stakeholder theory in this specific context, analyzing how these businesses identify, engage, and manage their diverse stakeholders.
- The nature and application of stakeholder theory in SMEs
- The role of ethical decision making within stakeholder management in SMEs
- The specific challenges and opportunities of managing stakeholders in the Belgian micro-brewery industry
- Developing a practical model for effective stakeholder management in SMEs
- The impact of stakeholder engagement on business performance and sustainability
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic and sets out the overall objectives of the thesis. It outlines the methodology used in the study, highlighting the importance of qualitative research and the reliance on case study analysis.
- Methodology: This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the research methodology employed in the study. It discusses the use of a literature review, qualitative research methods, and the rationale for selecting the case study approach.
- Stakeholder Theory: This chapter delves into the theoretical foundations of stakeholder theory, tracing its historical development, exploring alternative theories, and defining key concepts. It examines different interpretations of the theory, including ethical, descriptive, instrumental, normative, managerial, convergent, and divergent perspectives. The chapter also analyzes the criticisms of stakeholder theory and offers a response with a proposed optimally viable version of the theory.
- Ethical Behaviour in Organizations: This chapter explores the critical role of ethical decision making within organizations, considering its impact on stakeholder relations. It analyzes various models of ethical decision making, including the interactionist model, and proposes a stakeholder management model specifically for ethical decision making.
- Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of SMEs, examining their specific characteristics, exploring existing research on stakeholder management in this context, and drawing conclusions about the unique challenges and opportunities presented by SMEs.
- Stakeholder Management in SMEs: This chapter focuses on the application of stakeholder theory in the context of SMEs. It introduces a specific model for stakeholder management that is tailored to the needs and limitations of these businesses. The chapter discusses the key elements of this model, including stakeholder identification, engagement strategies, and the development of a stakeholder management plan.
- The Case Studies: This chapter presents the case studies that form the core of the research. It provides an overview of the Belgian beer brewing industry, including its historical context, current landscape, and key stakeholders. The chapter then delves into the detailed analysis of three specific Belgian micro-breweries, exploring their stakeholder relationships, management practices, and the challenges they face.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis examines the crucial topic of stakeholder management, focusing on the unique perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the context of the Belgian micro-brewery industry. The research delves into key concepts like stakeholder theory, ethical decision making, and corporate social responsibility, exploring the practical application of these concepts in a real-world setting. The study emphasizes the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders, understanding their interests, and developing effective management strategies to ensure sustainable business success. The research also considers the critical role of ethical considerations in stakeholder management, highlighting the importance of responsible decision making and the pursuit of a balanced approach that benefits all stakeholders.
- Citar trabajo
- Jens Hillebrand (Autor), 2009, Stakeholder Management in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/143634
