Engaging with our stakeholders
The power of good communication
Our business depends on good relationships, whether that means profitable trading links with our suppliers and customers, or the wider links that connect us to all the other stakeholders who are influenced by what we do, and how we conduct our business.
These relationships can also have a more direct and positive impact on our commercial success. If they're managed well they can reinforce our license to trade and strengthen our reputation as a trusted and responsible corporate leader, and a pioneer for a more sustainable future.
Our aim is to set out the rationale for our actions and plans, and address any stakeholder concerns in an honest and open manner. Genuine dialogue is always valuable, and can produce a better understanding on both sides, even where opinions differ. Likewise we operate in many different parts of the world, and sensitivity to local culture, and respect for local customs is crucial.
Practical approaches to engagement
Some of our contacts with stakeholders are informal; others benefit from a more formal engagement framework. This helps us understand stakeholders' expectations, and address their issues in a more systematic manner. We have developed a detailed community engagement manual for this purpose.
Our engagement process helps local operations to map their different stakeholder groups, understand their issues, and develop effective action plans, which can be monitored and measured.