The ESSGG proposition for stakeholder-oriented urban management performance: a theoretical perspective

Purpose: To investigate the most appropriate urban performance measures for stakeholder-oriented urban management Method: This study performed a research synthesis by analyzing a sample of 47 papers gathered from the Scopus database. Originality/Relevance: Since urban performance measures are useful for meeting stakeholder needs in urban management, this study is original in proposing a useful set of urban performance measures for scholars and practitioners to orient their policies, investigations, and decision-making to create value for urban stakeholders. Results/Findings: The main finding is the proposition of a set of three dimensions of urban performance measures based on the Urban Studies literature for stakeholder-orientation in urban management, i.e. Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability, Global Cities, and Governance-related measures (designated as EESSGG). Urban management based on EESSGG core values and measures would turn local governments able to create value for urban stakeholders and urban networks of technical and human resources; and then foster urban development. Differently from firms, urban management has a wider range of issues, is more complex, is non-profitable oriented, and has other different challenges. EESSGG is more appropriate to urban management than the classical Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for stakeholder-orientation in businesses. Social/Managerial Contributions: EESSGG is an optimal tool for urban planners and policymakers fostering a stakeholder-oriented urban management, and then, a democratic urban governance.