Decoding the Paradox of Sustainable Stakeholder Engagement: A Quantitative Examination of Barriers in Management Practices

Abstract

In today’s complex business landscape, organizations face increasing pressure to engage stakeholders sustainably. This study investigates the prevalent barriers to effective stakeholder engagement from a management perspective, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Empirical methods included a survey of 500 managers across various industries, revealing critical insights into the disconnect between theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Quantitative data analysis, including regression models, identified significant factors that impede stakeholder engagement, such as miscommunication, lack of alignment in stakeholder objectives, and insufficient resource allocation. The findings illuminate how these barriers create a paradox between sustainability goals and operational management, providing a foundational understanding that can inform best practices and policy recommendations in the field of management science.