Chaired by Andreas Wanke and Katrin Risch

The answer to what is meant by participation varies according to political orientation as well as interests. In general, the concept of participation entails ‘the right to be heard and the right to be involved in the decision making process’ (Roland Roth, 2013). There are many different approaches in theory and practice, which indicate diverging understandings of democracy, communication and power. Today, a growing number of decision makers in politics and business is aware of the value of involving interested stakeholders.