Active learning ideas
This topic introduces the various individuals and groups that have an interest in how a business is run. Students identify internal stakeholders like employees and owners, as well as external stakeholders like customers, suppliers, the local community, and the government. The focus is on the dynamic nature of these relationships and how they can be either cooperative or competitive.
Activity 01
A local factory plans to expand, which will create jobs but increase noise pollution. Students take on roles as the CEO, a local resident, a trade union rep, and an environmental officer to negotiate a compromise that satisfies as many parties as possible.
Who are the key stakeholders in a business?
Activity 02
Students are given a list of stakeholder pairs (e.g., Manager and Employee). They must first think of a way they could cooperate, then a way they might compete, before sharing their best examples with a partner and then the class.
How can stakeholder interests conflict?
Activity 03
Place logos of well-known Irish companies (e.g., Ryanair, SuperValu) on large posters. Groups move from poster to poster, adding specific stakeholders for each and noting a potential conflict that company might face.
What is the difference between a cooperative and competitive relationship?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Stakeholders and Shareholders are the same thing.
A shareholder is an owner (a type of stakeholder), but a stakeholder is anyone affected by the business. Using a Venn diagram activity helps students see that while all shareholders are stakeholders, not all stakeholders own shares.
Stakeholder relationships are always competitive.
Many relationships are cooperative, where both parties work together for mutual benefit (win-win). Active learning scenarios where students must find a 'win-win' solution help reinforce the value of cooperation in business.
Methods used in this brief
Industrial Relations
Analyse the causes of industrial disputes and the mechanisms for conflict resolution in Ireland. Students will review the role of trade unions and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
8 methodologies
Consumer Protection
Evaluate the legislative framework protecting consumers in Ireland, including the Consumer Protection Act. Students will apply consumer rights to real-world purchasing scenarios.
8 methodologies