Final answer:
The best definition of a stakeholder is an individual or group interested in an organization's success, not just shareholders but also employees, customers, and the broader community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best definition of a stakeholder is option 2: An individual or group interested in an organization's success. This encompasses a wide array of individuals and groups who have a vested interest in the performance and outcomes of an organization. Stakeholders include but are not limited to users and customers, the design team, employees, shareholders, and communities. Unlike shareholders, who are concerned primarily with the returns on their investments, stakeholders have a broader set of interests and concerns regarding the company's operations and its impacts.
In the context of design projects, a stakeholder is someone who has a stake in the product's success beyond just its financial success. This can include regulatory agencies, suppliers, and even advocacy groups interested in the product's social, environmental, or economic effects. The concept of stakeholder theory also contrasts with shareholder primacy by suggesting that companies should account for all stakeholder interests in their decision-making processes, not just those of the shareholders.