Meaningful dialogue in international supply chains
Companies committed to (international) responsible business conduct consider the interests and wellbeing of all their stakeholders, including those impacted directly or indirectly by their business operations such as workers and local communities. The SER project 'Meaningful stakeholder dialogue in (international) supply chains' supports companies in meaningfully engaging with these stakeholders through dialogue. By engaging in meaningful stakeholder dialogue, companies align with the criteria established in the OECD guidelines and UNGPs for meaningful engagement with stakeholders. In doing so, they advance a human-centered approach to doing (international) business.
What is meaningful stakeholder dialogue?
A meaningful stakeholder dialogue is the process in which a company or organisation enters into dialogue with its stakeholders to share perspectives, recognise and assess shared interests, establish common objectives, and enhance relationships. The aim is to foster trust through understanding, laying the groundwork for decisions that benefit both the company and its stakeholders, thus generating positive outcomes which are beneficial for both. Meaningful stakeholder dialogue is a key aspect of international responsible business conduct and contributes to fair and equitable value chains.
Project
The SER has crafted a model for meaningful stakeholder dialogue to support companies in putting this into practice. This model was developed based on comprehensive case study research, desk research, stakeholder consultations and four pilot projects. Serving as the theoretical framework, the model underpins a suite of tools and instructional materials designed to assist companies in operationalising meaningful stakeholder dialogue.
Guidance for companies
The SER is offering guidance to companies to put meaningful stakeholder dialogue into practice. Guidance is offered in different formats and currently available in Dutch only:
- Self-assessment: How to conduct a meaningful stakeholder dialogue? - Companies can assess their understanding and performance on stakeholder dialogue and receive tailor made advise
- Roadmap for meaningful stakeholder dialogue – Companies are guided through the full process of meaningful stakeholder dialogue via nine practical steps.
- Tools – A set of tools assisting companies in translating knowledge into action. Tools focus for instance on stakeholder mapping and identification, asking the right questions, building trust and organizing a dialogue meeting.
- Knowledge documents - Offering background information on essential elements of stakeholder dialogue, including dialogue facilitation, typical challenges, and collaborative approaches.
- Trainings - Offering sessions on the principles and practices of meaningful stakeholder dialogue (in development).
Learn More
For questions about this project, please contact us at secretariaatimvo@ser.nl
This project is supported by the Goldschmeding Foundation.
