i) Stockholders/Owners. Investors with a variety of levels of ownership in the
firm are increasingly taking action to influence the extent to which firms pursue sustainability causes.34 Individuals influence companies by engaging in dialogue, voting proxies, attending shareholder meetings, and filing resolutions.
j) Scientific Community. Evidence developed within the scientific community has
a strong influence on other stakeholders and thereby influences firm action.
For example, the mounting scientific evidence of a greenhouse effect influenced
the Supreme Court ruling that the federal government had the power under
the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.
k) Nongovernment organizations (NGOs). NGO is a term used to describe a
broad family of organizations that is not profit oriented or supported by government.35 Historically, the action of NGOs has been at odds with industry.
Increasingly, however, firms such as Starbucks have established relationships
with NGOs that enable both parties to achieve objectives.36
l) General Public. The public at large are also stakeholders that influence operations. For example, urban planners recognize that management of relationships
with the public enables them to gain support for land use initiatives.37 Although
the general public may not directly benefit from land development, their participation is essential throughout the design and utilization processes.