What is meant by 'stakeholder engagement' in ISO 9001?

Stakeholder engagement in ISO 9001 refers to the process of actively connecting with various parties that have an interest in or can be affected by the organization's operations and quality management system (QMS). This includes identifying stakeholders, understanding their needs, expectations, and how they impact the organization's objectives, especially in the context of quality.

Option B captures this idea effectively by emphasizing the importance of engaging with stakeholders to comprehend their needs and the potential impacts they can have on the QMS. This engagement ensures that the organization can not only meet regulatory requirements but also consider the perspectives of customers, employees, suppliers, and other relevant parties, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and relevance of the quality management system.

Engaging with stakeholders helps organizations identify risks and opportunities and drive continuous improvement in their processes. It supports the alignment of quality objectives with stakeholder expectations, promoting better satisfaction and business outcomes. Thus, it truly reflects the essence of stakeholder engagement as outlined in the ISO 9001 standard.