Who are considered primary stakeholders?

Primary stakeholders are defined as individuals or groups who have a direct and significant interest in the operations and performance of a firm. This typically includes entities that are essential to the firm's existence and success, such as employees, investors, customers, and suppliers.

In this context, employees contribute to the company’s productivity and are vital for carrying out its operations, while investors provide the necessary capital and expect returns on their investments. The direct relationship and interdependence between the firm and these stakeholders highlight why they are termed 'primary'. When firms make decisions, the reliability and viability of these stakeholders often influence their outcomes, making their interests and well-being a priority for the organization.

Looking at the other choices, those without a financial interest in the firm do not fit the criteria of primary stakeholders, as they lack the significant connection that influences a firm's day-to-day operations. Community members who engage with the firm casually are considered secondary stakeholders, as their influence is less direct and usually pertains to broader social impacts rather than the firm’s immediate functioning. Similarly, media outlets represent an external viewpoint that shapes public perception but do not have a direct stake in the company's success or failure, thereby also categorizing them as secondary stakeholders.