Stakeholder

Stakeholderism is compelling for its core logic, and yet some limits on stakeholder claims are critical to the viability of progress (see Anita’s article on this here). The purpose of the corporation in society is defined by limitations on liability and other definitive responsibilities that, by design, prioritize some interests over others. Those constraints stand in contrast to the responsibilities of most governmental agencies and actors, which are compelled to treat everyone in their jurisdictions in the same ways. How can a shared initiative between private and public actors reconcile this tension? Who is the initiative seeking to create value for?

Answers to these questions are critical for progress. And the issues are especially important when there are tradeoffs that can’t be broken. Anita’s conversation with Sarah Kaplan raises these problems and opens up insights on a path forward for addressing them. The pathway is especially illuminated by Subi Rangan in his conversation with Anita. Do something with a clarity of intention and sincerity of purpose. The Pi² project seeks to develop these ideas and consider their implications.