The term "stakeholders" refers to individuals or groups that have an interest or concern in a particular organization, project, or situation. They can affect or be affected by the outcomes of decisions made within that organization or project. Stakeholders can include employees, customers, investors, suppliers, community members, and even government agencies.
The word "stakeholder" originated in the early 1970s in the field of business and management. It combines "stake," which denotes an interest or investment, and "holder," indicating an individual or entity that possesses or maintains that interest.