University of Technology Sydney

57214 Stakeholder Engagement

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Communication: Strategic Communication
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 57023 Communicating with Publics

Description

Students in this subject examine the concept of stakeholder engagement to develop holistic understandings of factors that generate or hinder engagement. They consider the notions of stakeholders, stakeseekers, audiences, and publics. Students explore key concepts in the phenomena of public engagement, disengagement and non-engagement such as motivation, trust, cynicism, authenticity and credibility. They investigate strategies to enable mutual gains, manage conflict and develop social capital. Students consider internal and external practices that foster engagement and research and role-play for a stakeholder scenario.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Critically evaluate current theories of stakeholders, publics and engagement for strategic communication practice
b. Demonstrate the application of theory to professional practice
c. Identify the ethical implications of decisions, actions and outcomes
d. Understand how stakeholders and publics are constructed and engaged
e. Recognise the complexity of relationships for organisations and stakeholders
f. Communicate effectively to diverse stakeholders while considering a range of stakeholder needs and expectations

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

  • Apply an advanced body of practice-oriented knowledge and skills to develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions to real-world communication challenges with a high level of personal autonomy, leadership and accountability (1.1)
  • Plan, execute and utilise a substantial body of research for professional practice (2.1)
  • Critically and creatively rethink and reflect on public relations, advertising and organisational change models and practices for the 21st century beyond dominant models and approaches and seek innovative approaches (2.2)
  • Locate, gather, organise and synthesise information across diverse platforms to guide their mastery of contemporary communication issues and challenges (2.3)
  • Graduates are able to exercise strong leadership in the development of communication strategies that address challenges and implement solutions on issues of exclusion, equity, cultural difference and social justice (5.1)
  • Graduates have high-level knowledge and skills to engage with diverse audiences through both written and oral communication strategies, across a range of media formats, with consideration of others' needs and views (6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used, including online lectures, collaborative workshops, blocks, visiting speakers and presentations. The learning program is designed for beginning graduate students and focuses on developing their ability to learn independently as well as to interact productively in small groups. Current issues and scenarios are used. A curated collection of educational materials will be available online for students to access and engage with prior to class including a podcast and online work for Week 1.

Content (topics)

This subject introduces students to research and theory building in stakeholder/public engagement. Students examine different worldviews, theories and models that inform current practices of engagement. They critically examine the ethical implications of communicating with publics, stakeholders and stakeseekers to inform professional practice. In this subject students individually research identified stakeholder groups and develop multiple stakeholder engagement plans in groups. They attend a one day workshop online to learn negotiation skills to inform engagement practices.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Stakeholder investigation and analysis

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d, e and f

Weight: 40%
Length:

1500 words

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Effectiveness of stakeholder public mapping for identified issue/organisation (group) 10 b, d 1.1
Clarity and usefulness of stakeholder information 20 a, b, e 2.3
Depth of analysis of stakeholder/public interest or position 30 a, b, c, d, e 2.2
Scope and relevance of literature applied 30 a, b 1.1
Professionalism of expression and presentation 10 f 6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Public/stakeholder engagement recommendations

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d, e and f

Weight: 35%
Length:

1000 words

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Effectiveness of use of research into stakeholder group/public 10 b, d 2.3
Practicality and appropriateness of engagement recommendations 30 a, b, c, d, e 5.1
Relevance and scope of academic research to substantiate position 20 a, b, c 2.1
Strength of rationale for recommendations 30 b, c 1.1
Professionalism of expression and presentation 10 f 6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Presentation of engagement plan for multiple stakeholders

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d, e and f

Weight: 25%
Length:

Group presentation - 10 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Depth of analysis of multiple stakeholder status and context 20 b, c, d 1.1
Effectiveness of engagement plan design 30 b, c, d, e 5.1
Scope and relevance of literature applied 25 a, b, c 2.1
Professionalism of presentation 15 f 6.1
Contribution to peer feedback (individual) 10 a 1.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Submission of assessment tasks
In this subject assessment tasks are cumulative so that each task builds understanding and/or skills, informed by formative feedback. Consequently, all assessments must be submitted in order for students to receive feedback. Students who do not submit all assessments will not pass the subject.

This subject is based on a collaborative approach which involves workshopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor, so a minimum of 80% attendance is required in this class.

References

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Boutilier, R. 2012, A stakeholder approach to issues management, Business Expert Press, New York, NY.
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