Organisational responses from the largest slaughterhouses to stakeholders

This study analysed how the largest Brazilian slaughterhouses respond to their main stakeholders. Based on a content analysis of these companies' sustainability reports, stakeholders were categorised and the legitimacy strategies used were identified. The results show that these slaughterhouses mainly use moral legitimacy strategies. In addition, new variables were discovered in the area of moral legitimacy strategies, including: (i) setting policies in relation to stakeholders, (ii) forming alliances for specific causes, (iii) engaging certified suppliers, and (iv) supporting specific initiatives. Overall, meatpackers emphasise the attainment of legitimacy, whether for pragmatic, moral or cognitive reasons. •creation of policies related to stakeholders.•building partnerships around a cause.•contracting certified suppliers; and.•support for specific causes.