Guidelines for Stakeholder Communications

The rise of social media has led companies to form new relationships with their stakeholders, including investors and customers, but also employees, suppliers, NGOs and others. Stakeholders are increasingly looking for authentic, transparent, two-way communication with organizations.

The question becomes, "How does a business’s authentically and effectively communicate their sustainable business strategies to stakeholders?"

A report by Futerra Sustainability Communications, Understanding and Preventing Greenwash: A Business Guide, provides a framework for companies to better communicate their environmental message, based on their true business sustainability practices and/or products. The report focuses on providing effective and valuable information to consumers. Here are a few tips from the report:

Impact: Make sure it’s real
Alignment: Build Support Internally and Externally
Communication: Communicate it accurately

Stakeholder engagement is more than just obtaining buy-in from employees and investors. It includes:

Strategy and Leadership: understanding strengths to promote innovative ways to create positive change and add value to a financial situation, social interests, and eco awareness.
Business Integration: improve business practices to drive strategy, educate, and link internal and external groups.
Risk Management: assess, prioritize, monitor, and address emerging issues
Communication: provide a direct link from decision makers to the key issues and opportunities.

Evidence has shown that stakeholder engagement is critical to a company’s ability to capitalize on its eco awareness, product stewardship, reputation, and overall business sustainability. Taiga Company’s professional consulting can guide your business through the process of identifying and extracting value from its direct and indirect relationships.