The Role of Marginal Stakeholders in Sustainability Networks: The Beijing Water Network Case

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter explores the potential roles and contributions of “marginal stakeholders” in sustainability collaborations. A group of smaller and less powerful NGOs engaged in a three-year collaboration to build capacity and drive action to address the severe water situation in Beijing, China. That the NGOs were the primary driver of the collaboration provides a unique opportunity to explore and understand whether and how the less powerful constituents of a network can organize to influence such broad, complex, and challenging issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is the result of a participant action research effort. The author served as researcher, observer, participant, and consultant during different phases of the collaboration.

Findings

Individual members and the network as a whole demonstrated increased capacity and capability, but mostly failed to drive action. By themselves, small and marginal stakeholders have limited capacity or capability to effect large-scale sustainability efforts. With coaching, development, and a shared agenda, they may emerge as a force for change, but there are significant hurdles to overcome.

Practical implications (if applicable)

The successes and failures of a steering committee formed early in the collaboration provide concrete guidelines for anyone who wants to help marginal stakeholders play change agent roles in complex networks.

Originality/value

Very little is known about the role of “marginal” or “fringe” stakeholders in network collaborations. This case demonstrates the potential contribution of these stakeholders but also identifies the hazards associated with their participation.

Citation

Wang, Z.C.(. (2014), "The Role of Marginal Stakeholders in Sustainability Networks: The Beijing Water Network Case", Building Networks and Partnerships (Organizing for Sustainable Effectiveness, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 165-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-0605(2013)0000003010