Stakeholder management in PPP projects: external stakeholders’ perspective

Purpose – This paper focuses on external stakeholders’ perspective of stakeholder management in Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects within the context of developing countries where public opposition to PPP projects is prevalent. The aim is to identify the key enablers to PPP projects’ success from the perspective of external stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – Data was collected from two case studies via semistructured interviews in two PPP project locations in Nigeria. 14 external stakeholders comprising community leaders, trade unionists and human right activist participated in the research. Findings – Five key enablers of external stakeholder management were identified. These are (1) the choice of project location; (2) transparency of the internal stakeholders; (3) timing of stakeholder engagement; (4) knowledge of PPP; and (5) relationship with internal stakeholders. Originality/Value – External stakeholders’ perspective of stakeholder management in PPP projects within the context of developing countries new to PPP has been established. The practical implications of the five enablers can be used by policy makers and industry professionals to ensure effective stakeholder management of PPP projects.