Equity and Expectancy Considerations in Stakeholder Action

An interest-based view of stakeholder action-a view that stakeholders act against organizations to safeguard or promote their own interests-underlies much research in stakeholder theory. In this article, the author uses two motivation theories-equity theory and expectancy theory-to address the general research question, What are the conditions under which stakeholders will take action against an organization? Doing so allows for a more explicit elaboration of an interest-based approach to understanding stakeholder action. Applying these theories, the author develops propositions concerning the conditions that are likely to precipitate stakeholder sanctions directed at a focal organization and develops a basic framework for understanding when such stakeholder action is likely. Finally, the author discusses the theoretical and practical implications of this work.