Stakeholder engagement
Abstract
Stakeholder engagement is an essential aspect of transdisciplinary endeavours, which aim for knowledge co-production. However, authentic co-production is often not achievable, making it important to recognise other forms of engagement with the two main categories of stakeholders: those affected by the problems being tackled and those in a position to do something about them. Five kinds of engagement are described: inform, consult, involve, collaborate (co-produce) and support. The obligations of those responsible for transdisciplinary endeavours to the stakeholders, presented as promises to stakeholders, are also described. Making stakeholder engagement effective also requires attention to: 1) ensuring credibility, relevance and legitimacy of stakeholder contributions, 2) accommodating stakeholder motivations, expertise and ability to participate, 3) managing power asymmetries effectively, and 4) avoiding or managing potential pitfalls. A number of interconnected listening skills, such as openness, respect, and suspending automatic response, are required to gain an understanding of stakeholder perspectives, concerns and suggestions.