A "stakeholder" refers to an individual or group that has an interest or concern in a particular project, organization, or system. Stakeholders can be affected by or have the ability to influence the outcome of decisions and policies. This term is commonly used in business, project management, and governance contexts to identify those who contribute to or are impacted by an initiative.
The term "stakeholder" is derived from the combination of "stake," which refers to a share or interest in something (derived from the Old English "staca," meaning a stake or post), and "holder," which signifies someone who possesses or owns something. The term originated in the mid-20th century, particularly in corporate and project management discussions.