Which of the following groups is NOT considered a business stakeholder?

A stakeholder in a business context refers to any individual or group that has an interest in the success and performance of a business. This includes those directly involved in the business or those who can affect or be affected by its operations.

Employees, government officials, and investors are all classified as stakeholders. Employees play a vital role in the operations and success of a business, as their work contributes to productivity and innovation. Government officials are stakeholders because they create regulations that govern business activities, and businesses need to comply with these laws. Investors are also key stakeholders since they provide the capital necessary for a business to operate and expect a return on their investment.

On the other hand, competitors do not fall into the stakeholder category. While they are part of the industry landscape and can influence business dynamics, they do not have a vested interest in the business’s success. Competitors seek to outperform others in the market, which is generally at odds with the interests of any specific business. Hence, they are not considered internal stakeholders but rather external entities that participate in the same market environment.