Uncovering strategies of hidden intention in multi-stakeholder initiatives: the case of pasture-raised milk

Sarah Gauly, Andreas Müller and Achim Spiller

No 260768, Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (DARE) Discussion Papers from Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (DARE)

Abstract: Sustainability management often requires voluntary initiatives beyond legal regulations. Hereby, multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) gain importance. Despite the actual high occurrence of these initiatives, little information concerning the stakeholders’ negotiation behaviour in MSIs exists. In this paper, we analyse a MSI related to the implementation of a sustainability-oriented standard for pasture-raised milk in Germany using participatory research. The results indicate that from an economic point of view not all stakeholders behave in a predictable way. Contrary to the assumption, one dairy involved in the MSI following a cost leadership strategy, pled for a high standard, as did the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved. Because this dairy was unable to fulfil this high standard, this behaviour can be interpreted as a ‘prevention strategyʼ. It can be concluded that the classical assumption of stakeholder behaviour – such as tit-for-tat negotiations between the economic side and NGOs – must be reviewed, revealing strategies of hidden intention.

Keywords: Farm Management; Livestock Production/Industries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 37
Date: 2017
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Working Paper: Uncovering strategies of hidden intention in multi-stakeholder initiatives: The case of pasture-raised milk (2017)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:gadadp:260768

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.260768

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