Shapeholders: Business Success in the Age of Activism

Kennedy's credentials include: president, University of North Dakota; senior vice president and treasurer, Macy's; member of the Council on Foreign Relations; member of Congress; and director, George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, all providing substantial background for his thoughts and reflections on shapeholders. Kennedy came up with this term and expanded the concept to include political, regulatory, and activist elements that interact to help determine the success of a firm. While shapeholders are different from stakeholders, they can have significant impact on a company's success or failure. Kennedy feels that today's businesses must realize that their bottom line is affected by many factors and that ignoring any of them can lead to diminished returns. Extensive notes are included.