X is a major energy company and has discovered substantial onshore shale gas reserves in a rural part of the country. With new "fracking" technology, underground gas production could be profitable, provide jobs for local people and boost the local economy. This would require the purchase of large areas of land, without which the projects could not proceed.
Although local landowners were generally pleased to sell land to X at high prices, the reactions of local residents were less favourable as they were very concerned about the environmental impact.
Although their powers were limited, their influence on local councils was more significant. Every new fracking site was subject to strict planning controls and local councils controlled this process.
Using Mendelow’s stakeholder management theory, which stakeholder group should be categorised as high interest/low power – with a strategy of "keep informed" (unless their power and influence start to increase)?
A . Local residents
B . Local landowners
C . Local Councils
D . Directors of X
Answer: A