Stakeholders as partners
A BT case study

Page 2: What is a stakeholder?

A stakeholder in a business is any individual or group with an interest in the decisions made by that company. Some of BT's stakeholders are internal to the business, such as its employees. Some are external to the business, such as BT's customers.

Ethical approach to business

Enlightened companies like BT believe that engaging with stakeholders is part of an ethical approach to business. BT also has legal obligations toward some stakeholder groups, such as the government and industry regulators.

As well as meeting ethical and legal requirements, maintaining good relationships with stakeholders is good for business in the long term. Suppliers help to keep the business competitive, shareholders bring investment and customers contribute to profits. For this reason, BT regards its stakeholders as partners.