The ascendancy of stakeholder capitalism: What is its meaning for corporate governance?

We address the recent ascendancy of "stakeholder capitalism" and its potential impact on US corporate governance practice. Utilizing a four dimensional, analytic framework (legal, ethical, economic, and political), the authors evaluate the potential effects of stakeholder capitalism on the existing corporate governance of companies, concluding that stakeholder capitalism is a commitment, not a legal requirement; it is currently being practiced in boardrooms; and yet it is not the responsibility of the company, under stakeholder capitalism, to solve America's social issues. The article concludes with business policy recommendations for directors concerning likely legal, ethical, economic, and political changes affecting stakeholder capitalism.