Stakeholders Meeting Together

Abstract

A characteristic of sound decision making is stakeholders consulting with each other so that differing perspectives can be taken into account. This may involve stakeholders (including the client/s) meeting together to discuss the decision situation. While this gives rise to certain opportunities, there is also the danger that the client will feel intimidated while other stakeholders dominate the proceedings. Social work practice needs to be geared to facilitating stakeholders to work together in a constructive way but issues of power mean that achieving the full benefits of meeting together remains a formidable challenge.