Stakeholder engagement in the context of a community advisory board within a university research setting (in South Africa)

Abstract

This dissertation is a qualitative study undertaken to explore stakeholder engagement principles and practises applied in the management of a Community Advisory Board (CAB) within a university research setting. This was effected against the framework of the stakeholder theory, and the two way symmetrical communication model of the Excellence Theory in Public Relations Management. The in-depth interview process was didactic and complex with the emergence of several related themes developing. The data was collected and analysed using the Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Emergent themes may seek to inform operational improvement in the general management of Community Advisory Boards both locally and internationally. The key findings revealed compliance to the Public Relations principles and guidelines and alignment to South African and international guidelines as set forth in the GPP (Good Participatory Practice) Guidelines (2011), the Stockholm Accord (2010) and the King IV Report (2016).