Review:
Steven F. Walker and Jeffrey W. Marr contend that now, more than ever, a company's relationship with its customers, employees, suppliers, investors, and neighbors determine whether it's a sterling, long-term success or an insignificant flash in the pan. In Stakeholder Power, they make a strong case for developing rapport among these groups and offer a practical model for aligning your business with their needs. Walker and Marr, president and vice president, respectively, of a 60-year-old company that specializes in the interaction of these constituencies, draw on the best practices they've encountered to help others "simultaneously improve their business performance, their business practices, and the quality of some important people's lives." Using examples ranging from Cisco Systems to LensCrafters, they explain the stakeholder concept; discuss building commitment and loyalty through development of ethical core values and practices; investigate what are generally considered the two most important groups (customers and employees) as well as those further from the "immediate family" (community leaders, the media, and government); look at further increasing corporate generosity through charitable giving and employee volunteerism; and explore how it all fits together. Take heed now, Walker and Marr caution, because the way you relate to these groups will likely determine your corporate future. --Howard Rothman
About the Author:
Steven F. Walker is president and CEO of Walker Information, a world leader in measuring stakeholder relationships and corporate reputation. The third generation to lead his family business, he lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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