Academic Writings
Mark Kennedy’s published work reflects a consistent intellectual thread: how institutions—whether corporations or countries—navigate external pressures and align power with purpose. His foundational ideas were first explored in Shapeholders: Business Success in the Age of Activism, focusing on non-market engagement in business. That work has since expanded into the national and global policy arena, where Kennedy now contributes to debates on technology, trade, and democratic resilience through the lens of strategic competition.
This page highlights writings related to Shapeholders.
🔹 Book: Shapeholders, Business Success in the Age of Activism
Navigating Strategic Risk and Social Pressure in the Modern Business Environment
About Shapeholders:
- A guide to managing activist pressures and social risk
- Explains the distinct language and logic of shapeholders vs. stakeholders
- Provides an actionable decision matrix for C-suite executives
In Shapeholders: Business Success in the Age of Activism, Mark Kennedy presents a powerful framework for engaging nonmarket actors—those who shape a company's environment without holding a stake in it. Drawing on his experiences in Congress, academia, and the Fortune 500, Kennedy outlines actionable strategies for executives navigating social pressure, activism, and regulatory scrutiny.
🔹 Book Chapters / Introductions
🔹 Journal Articles
🔹 Business School Cases
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Amazon in 2015: Domestic Drone Regulations." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Cookie Controversy: Deforestation, Girl Scouts, and Palm Oil." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "BMW in 2015: Extending Their Success in China." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "BP in 2015: Navigating Publicity, Profitability, and Petroleum." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Procter & Gamble: Anticipating a Critical Tide." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Nike Inc.: Running from Trouble." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Coca-Cola in Boston." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "The Fall of SOPA: Framing a 'Free' Internet." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Toyota in Crisis." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Ikea Woos India." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Galen Danskin. "Akzo Nobel: Gazprom and the European Commission." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2015. Print.
- Kennedy, Mark, and Matthew Shaffer. "Quality Brands Protection Committee -- Part A." Case Study. Washington. The Graduate School of Political Management. 2013. Print.
📘 Explore the roots of Mark Kennedy’s scholarship in Shapeholders that has now evolved into his global work on strategic competition.
📣 What the Experts Are Saying About Shapeholders
“Shapeholders offers an original framework for dealing with the rise of super-empowered, hyper-connected non-state actors.”
“Kennedy’s book is a timely guide to strategic leadership in a world where external actors can derail even the best-laid corporate plans.”
“Business leaders need to recognize that in today’s world, nonmarket actors may matter more than stakeholders.”
“Companies can no longer ignore ‘shapeholders’—they must strategically engage with regulators, media, activists, and influencers to succeed.”
📚 Academic Engagement
- Ideal for courses in business strategy, corporate responsibility, and public affairs
- Foundation for most of my teaching
📈 Practical Application
- Decision matrix applied in executive training programs
- Case studies authored for use in strategy and leadership seminars