StakeholdersCustomers

Businesses have different types of internal and external stakeholders, with different interests and priorities. Sometimes these interests can conflict.

Part ofBusiness managementUnderstanding business

Customers

Customers are the people who purchase the product or use the service. They are the stakeholders who decide whether the business will be a success or not.

Customers will show loyalty to a business they like. However if a firm does not satisfy customers’ needs continuously, the customers will simply take their business elsewhere. This will have disastrous results for the business.

Customers queue outside a tearoom
Image caption,
Customer loyalty and customer satisfaction are key for a business to succeed

Customers have an interest in a business doing well because they want the following:

  • quality products and services
  • low prices
  • value for money

Customers can influence how a business operates by:

  • deciding whether or not to purchase the product or use the service
  • affecting an organisation's reputation by