Strategic priorities of business reputation formation by the group of stakeholders at water services enterprises

Abstract

Introduction. This article is devoted to the problems of formation and improvement of enterprises` of water supply and utilities business reputation on the basis of cooperation with groups of stakeholders.  The most important target groups that could affect the level of goodwill are distinguished.  The main directions of interaction with each group are analyzed.  Strategic priorities of business reputation formation in the field of reputation management are determined.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to determine the business reputation of water supply and utilities, and to research institutional preconditions for its development and improvement.

Results. The key problems and features of water supply and utilities sector have been highlighted. The differences between water services and other sectors of the national economy have been identified.  The activity rates of domestic enterprises and similar European companies of water supply and utilities have been compared. Taking into accounting the specificity of the industry, the concept of business reputation is defined, key stakeholder groups and priority areas of cooperation have been identified. In order to implement the strategy of business reputation improvement, the main forms of interaction with the enterprise`s stakeholders have been considered.  There are the most effective forms of interaction, which are based on feedback.  The methods of reputation management should be included into the overall strategy of water services’ enterprises for permanent maintaining the high level of goodwill.