What does the term "stakeholder engagement" refer to?

The term "stakeholder engagement" primarily refers to involving individuals or groups in the decision-making process. This concept is crucial in change management, as stakeholders include anyone affected by a change, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and community members. Engaging these stakeholders allows for collaboration, input, and feedback, which can significantly improve the outcomes of change initiatives. By incorporating diverse perspectives, organizations can address concerns, build trust, and foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders, ultimately leading to a smoother change process and higher levels of acceptance and commitment.

The other options represent approaches that do not align with effective stakeholder engagement. Ignoring stakeholder feedback would lead to a lack of necessary insights and the risk of overlooking important issues. Discussing changes solely in private meetings limits transparency and does not provide an opportunity for broader participation. Additionally, limiting involvement to senior management excludes valuable input from a wider audience who may have deep knowledge and insights that can enrich the decision-making process.