Relevance and Influence of the Stakeholders in Religious and Philanthropic Hospitals

Abstract

Assuming that the management of stakeholders is key in the strategy of organizations, this article aims to capture the perception of workers in religious charitable hospitals regarding the relative importance and influence of various stakeholders. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed in hospitals in Araxa, Brazil. The results showed that doctors, patients and the National Health System were considered to be key stakeholders. Considering that these organizations are charities and, thus, financially fragile, and highly dependent on social legitimacy,the low priority accorded to financial donors was surprising. In additionto identifying the stakeholders of this specific type of hospital organization, this article explores the opportunities and challenges faced by hospital managers in their relationship with these interested parties.