Mendelow's Matrix is an effective tool for stakeholder management, helping organizations prioritize

their stakeholders based on the power they hold and the level of interest they have in the organization's
activities. This model categorizes stakeholders into four quadrants, guiding how much attention should
be given to each group. Let's apply Mendelow's Matrix to map Yakult's stakeholders:

Quadrant A: High Power, High Interest

 Customers: Customers are directly impacted by Yakult's product quality, safety, and health
benefits, making their satisfaction a priority.

 Shareholders and Investors: They have a significant interest in the financial performance and
strategic direction of Yakult, wielding considerable power over corporate decisions.

 Regulatory Bodies: In the food and beverage industry, regulatory agencies have high power and
interest regarding compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Quadrant B: High Power, Low Interest

 Suppliers: Critical for Yakult's production, suppliers have the power to affect the supply chain but
may have low interest in the company's broader strategic goals.

 Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial institutions providing capital have significant
power but may have lower interest in day-to-day operations as long as financial obligations are
met.

Quadrant C: Low Power, High Interest

 Employees: Employees have a vested interest in Yakult's success, workplace conditions, and
corporate culture, but individually, they have limited power to influence strategic decisions.

 Local Communities: Communities where Yakult operates or sources its ingredients have a high
interest in its impact on their environment and economy but limited power to effect change.

 NGOs and Environmental Groups: These stakeholders are highly interested in Yakult's
environmental and social impact but typically hold less power to directly influence corporate
policies.

Quadrant D: Low Power, Low Interest

 Media: While the media can influence public perception, their direct power over Yakult is
limited, and their interest tends to be focused on stories or events rather than ongoing
operations.

 Competitors: Competitors have their own strategies and operations to focus on, resulting in
lower interest in Yakult's internal processes, except where it directly affects market competition.

Recommendations for Stakeholder Engagement

  Quadrant A (High Power, High Interest): Engage closely with these stakeholders through regular
updates, direct consultations, and involvement in decision-making processes. Their concerns
should be a priority.

 Quadrant B (High Power, Low Interest): Ensure their needs are met and keep them informed
about major changes or decisions that might affect their relationship with Yakult. Efficient and
effective communication is key.

 Quadrant C (Low Power, High Interest): Keep these stakeholders informed and involved where
possible, using newsletters, meetings, and CSR initiatives to maintain their engagement and
support.

 Quadrant D (Low Power, Low Interest): Monitor these stakeholders for any changes in their
level of interest or power. Provide them with general information and updates to keep them
passively informed.

Certainly, here's a structured table summarizing the analysis of employees as an internal stakeholder of
Yakult, which you can use for your slide presentation:

Aspect Details

Stakeholder Employees

- Moderate to High collectively<br>- Influence on productivity, quality, and

Power company reputation

- High in job security, compensation, career development, corporate culture, and

Interest transparency

1. Stable Employment: Expect job security through company growth.<br>2.

Competitive Compensation: Fair rewards for their work, including benefits.<br>3.
Professional Development: Training and career advancement
opportunities.<br>4. Positive Work Environment: Ethical, inclusive, and
supportive culture.<br>5. Transparency and Communication: Clear information
on company strategies and decisions.<br>6. Safety and Well-being: Safe working
Expectations conditions and policies supporting health/work-life balance.

Recommendations - Invest in human resource strategies that align with employees' expectations<br>-
Aspect Details

Foster transparent communication and a positive corporate culture<br>- Ensure

competitive compensation and professional development opportunities<br>-
Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment

This table provides a concise overview of employees' roles as internal stakeholders

Among the external stakeholders identified in Mendelow's Matrix, regulatory bodies stand out as a
critical group for Yakult. Below is an analysis of their power, interest, and expectations in relation to the
company:

Regulatory Bodies

Aspect Details

Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Food and Drug Administration [FDA], European Food Safety
Stakeholder Authority [EFSA], local health authorities)

Power - High<br>- Authority to enforce regulations, approve products, and impose penalties.

- High in ensuring public health and safety, compliance with legal standards, and truthful
Interest marketing of health benefits.

1. Compliance: Strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.<br>2.

Transparency: Full disclosure on product ingredients, manufacturing processes, and
health benefit claims.<br>3. Responsibility: Ethical marketing practices that do not
mislead consumers regarding health benefits.<br>4. Cooperation: Timely reporting of
issues, cooperation during inspections, and responsiveness to regulatory changes.<br>5.
Innovation Oversight: Introduction of new products or processes that are safe,
Expectations beneficial, and compliant with current standards.

Analysis Conclusion

Improving stakeholder engagement is crucial for Yakult to ensure sustainable growth and maintain its
corporate reputation. Based on the analysis of internal and external stakeholders (employees and
regulatory bodies), here are targeted recommendations for enhancing engagement:
Recommendations for Engaging Employees

1. Enhanced Communication Channels: Establish open, transparent, and two-way communication

channels that allow employees to voice their concerns, provide feedback, and feel heard. This
could include regular town hall meetings, suggestion boxes, and digital platforms for remote
communication.

2. Professional Development Programs: Invest in comprehensive training and development

programs that not only enhance employees' skills relevant to their current roles but also offer
pathways for career progression within Yakult.

3. Employee Recognition and Reward Systems: Implement recognition programs that celebrate
employee achievements, contributions, and milestones. This could range from formal awards to
informal acknowledgments in team meetings.

4. Work-life Balance Initiatives: Introduce flexible working arrangements, mental health days, and
wellness programs to support employees' well-being and work-life balance.

5. Inclusive Corporate Culture: Foster a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and
inclusion. This can involve regular training, diverse hiring practices, and forums for discussing
and addressing inclusivity issues.

Recommendations for Engaging Regulatory Bodies

1. Proactive Compliance Strategy: Develop a proactive compliance strategy that anticipates

regulatory changes and ensures Yakult's products and practices remain ahead of requirements.
This includes investing in regulatory intelligence and compliance management systems.

2. Transparent Reporting and Documentation: Maintain meticulous records and reports that
document compliance with regulatory standards, product safety, and efficacy. Make these
readily available during inspections or upon request.

3. Regular Consultations and Updates: Schedule regular meetings with regulatory bodies to
discuss upcoming products, marketing campaigns, and any significant changes in operations. Use
these consultations to gain insights into regulatory perspectives and expectations.

4. Collaborative Research and Development: Engage with regulatory bodies during the R&D phase
of new products to ensure alignment with health and safety standards. Collaborating on
research can also contribute to the body of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of
probiotics.

5. Community and Environmental Programs: Demonstrate corporate responsibility through

initiatives that address community health and environmental sustainability. Share these efforts
with regulatory bodies to reinforce Yakult's commitment to societal well-being.

General Recommendations
  Stakeholder Mapping and Monitoring: Regularly update stakeholder maps to reflect changes in
power and interest, ensuring that engagement strategies remain aligned with current dynamics.

 Feedback Mechanisms: Implement mechanisms for collecting and analyzing stakeholder

feedback, using insights gained to inform business strategies and stakeholder engagement
approaches.

 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting: Enhance transparency and accountability

through comprehensive CSR reporting that highlights efforts and achievements in areas
important to stakeholders.

By implementing these recommendations, Yakult can strengthen its relationships with key stakeholders,
addressing their concerns and expectations effectively. This not only contributes to a positive corporate
image but also supports long-term business resilience and success.