An analysis of multi-stakeholder interactions in the sugar industry using a social complexity framework

This study examines social complexity in the sugar industry. The sugar industry is complex, characterized by multiple stakeholders each with their own objectives. This study focuses on the interrelationships between the stakeholders by analyzing social complexity. The qualitative research approach was employed. Twenty-three in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders to collect data on the challenges that exist. The diverse goals of the stakeholders were found to be characteristic of a purposeful system, as is the case with social systems, but were identified as a potential source of conflict. Although the mill is a corporate shareholder entity, local interactions were found to be important in shaping the future. Critical factors, such as haulier inefficiencies, cane supply and cane quality, were found to have significant implications for the sustainability of the mill area.