Final answer:
While animals and the environment do not actively participate in business matters and are not typically recognized as stakeholders, they are indirectly impacted by business decisions. Public sentiment and emerging norms around sustainability are leading to a reevaluation of their importance in business practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animals and the environment are not typically considered stakeholders in a business context primarily because they do not have a voice in business matters (B). They cannot communicate and advocate for their interests in the way human stakeholders can. Moreover, most decisions within a business framework are motivated by the potential for profit or cost savings in the near term, which often overlooks the longer-term impacts on the environment. Additionally, legal regulations often do not recognize animals or the environment as stakeholders, focusing more on balancing immediate human and economic concerns. However, the lack of direct involvement does not mean that environmental issues have no impact on business operations. There is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility. Environmental policies are complex, and governments often weigh the costs and benefits to their constituents when enacting regulations. Conservationists argue for environmental regulations to ensure the sustainability of the planet's ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecological health and human welfare. While animals and the environment may be indirect stakeholders, their welfare can influence public sentiment and, by extension, impact regulatory and business practices.