A Conceptual Stakeholder Framework for Detecting and Preventing Public (Dis)Value Generated by Organized Crime

Purpose This study aims to conceptualize Organized Crime (OC) within the framework of stakeholder theory, identifying it as a structurally relevant stakeholder capable of influencing firms through both adversarial and collaborative dynamics. By extending stakeholder theory to include illegitimate yet strategically significant actors, the research provides a conceptual foundation for understanding how OC affects corporate behavior, governance processes, and the creation or destruction of value at both organizational and societal levels. Design/methodology/approach A multidimensional conceptual framework is developed by integrating key constructs from stakeholder theory—namely stakeholder salience, influence strategies, and levels of interest. The framework maps the diverse modes through which OC actors interact with firms and is applied to three illustrative case studies of Italian companies subjected to judicial prevention measures under national anti-mafia legislation Findings The findings reveal that OC actors can assume varying stakeholder roles, from dormant stakeholders with latent influence to definitive stakeholders exerting organizational control. These roles are shaped by combinations of salience, strategic interest, and influence strategy. The analysis emphasizes that OC infiltration typically unfolds through multilayered, relational dynamics, and highlights the importance of continuous stakeholder assessment to prevent the long-term erosion value. Originality This study introduces a novel application of stakeholder theory to the analysis of organized crime in business contexts, addressing a significant gap in the literature on corporate governance and business ethics. By recognizing OC as a stakeholder, the study expands the conceptual boundaries of stakeholder theory and supports the development of proactive governance strategies in crime-sensitive environments.