Meaningful stakeholder dialogue in (international) supply chains
Companies that engage in (international) responsible business conduct take into account the interests and well-being of all their stakeholders. This includes not only those directly involved, such as employees, but also individuals who may be indirectly impacted by the company’s activities, such as supply chain workers and local communities. The SER project 'Meaningful stakeholder dialogue in (international) supply chains' supports companies in conducting meaningful dialogue with these stakeholders.
     
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Meaningful stakeholder dialogue in short
- Part of international responsible business conduct (IRBC)
- Gives substance to what the OECD Guidelines and the UN Guiding Principles expect from companies in terms of stakeholder engagement
- Contributes to reliable relationships with suppliers and mutual understanding, including with NGOs and trade unions
- The SER supports companies in this process through tools such as a self-assessment, action plan and practical guidance
What is a meaningful stakeholder dialogue?
In a stakeholder dialogue, companies engage with their stakeholders to exchange insights, identify and balance mutual interests, set common goals, and strengthen the relationship. Stakeholders are all those who (may) be affected by the company’s activities.
A dialogue becomes meaningful when it is carefully prepared and purposefully conducted. This includes, for example, transparent communication, clearly explaining who is and who isn’t involved, and being open to new perspectives. The SER offers a range of publicly available tools to support companies in this process.
Why is stakeholder dialogue important?
Engaging in dialogue helps you get to know your stakeholders better, build trust, and strengthen relationships. This provides valuable insights that allow you to identify and address risks in a timely manner, such as those related to working conditions, supply continuity, or quality. It also ensures that you take stakeholder interests seriously.
By meaningfully engaging with stakeholders, you make better decisions, increase your company’s resilience, and meet sustainability standards and legal requirements. Get inspired by companies who are already engaging with their stakeholders meaningfully.
Support from the SER
There are several ways to get started with stakeholder dialogue:
- A good first step is to complete the Self-Assessment, which offers tailored advice.
- You can also review the Action Plan, which guides you in nine steps towards a meaningful stakeholder dialogue.
- Looking for more targeted support? Check out our publicly available tools and knowledge documents.
More information
Do you have a question or suggestion? Please contact us at secretariaatimvo@ser.nl.
The SER project 'Meaningful stakeholder dialogue in (international) supply chains' is partner of Humanising business, supported by the Goldschmeding Foundation.
