Abstract:

Objective: Close the research gap in terms of identifying the premises that public organisations, especially those managing forest resources, and their stakeholders follow when establishing mutual relations.

Methodology – The article uses literature studies on stakeholder theory, relationship management, strategic management, and management of public entities, as well as the results of own research based on 1021 survey questionnaires received from 29 groups of identified stakeholders of the State Forests.

Research limitations – the subject of the research concerns areas that take the form of an "iceberg", hence, despite the author of the article's many years of professional experience in the State Forests, the research results may ignore some factors hidden deep beneath the observed surface.

Social implications – The State Forests manage publicly accessible forest resources of the State Treasury, which are one of the most important elements shaping the natural environment. This requires balancing the often competing needs of individual stakeholder groups.

Originality/value - The research focusses on the rationale for establishing relationships between an organisation managing forest resources and its stakeholders, filling a research gap in this area.