Multistakeholder Network and Stakeholder Relationship Management: Reconsidering Power in Public Relations Relationships

• In Event: Top Faculty Papers in Public Relations

Abstract

This study applies a network theory of stakeholder relationship management to examine relationships in the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) network and argues for the relevance of power in this context. SuSanA is a multi-stakeholder network of 217 local NGOs, international NGOS, businesses, research institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations and associations. Using survey and social network analysis, this study found that SuSanA has a centralized network structure and power in this multi-stakeholder network can stem from institutional status, organizational resources, and perception. Theoretical and practical implications for public relations scholar and practitioners are discussed.

Authors

• Adam J. Saffer, University of North Carolina

• Aimei Yang, U of Southern California

• Maureen Taylor, U of Tennessee