ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЯ ТА ПРІОРИТИЗАЦІЯ СТЕЙКХОЛДЕРІВ НАФТОГАЗОВИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ЗА КРИТЕРІЄМ РЕСУРСНОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ

The article examines an innovative approach to identifying and prioritizing stakeholders of oil and gas enterprises using a dependency criterion. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the process of identifying and prioritizing stakeholders of oil and gas companies based on the criterion of dependence and to determine the impact of the level of dependence on the prioritization of stakeholders. The article explores a contemporary approach to stakeholder identification and management in the oil and gas sector through the lens of Resource Dependence Theory (RDT). A critical review of the literature reveals that prevailing prioritization methods often fail to consider the actual nature of interdependencies formed in resource-intensive sectors, such as energy. The research identifies key stakeholder groups of NJSC “Naftogaz of Ukraine” and classifies their dependencies into five types: financial, human capital, technological, reputational, and regulatory. The study introduces an original analytical typology that qualitatively defines the type of dependency as critical, strategic, or situational. Based on this classification, a differentiated matrix of stakeholder management strategies is developed, aligning managerial objectives, tools, and recommendations with the character of stakeholder relationships. The proposed approach enables more targeted and risk-sensitive decision-making, increasing organizational resilience and sustainability. The findings contribute to the refinement of stakeholder management in the Ukrainian energy sector and open avenues for further research on dynamic monitoring indicators and the effectiveness of applied strategies over time. By integrating the dependency criterion into stakeholder management, enterprises can ensure more precise risk mitigation, strengthen social legitimacy, improve financial resilience, and enhance their overall market position. The findings provide a practical foundation for designing tailored communication strategies and resource allocation policies. Future research is suggested to focus on dynamic monitoring of stakeholder dependency levels over time, developing quantitative indicators for ongoing stakeholder relationship audits, and validating the proposed strategies in different segments of the energy sector. This comprehensive approach aims to support strategic decision-making processes and promote sustainable development of oil and gas enterprises operating in conditions of high uncertainty, regulatory changes, and global market fluctuations.