Contrary to McLaren’s (2004) distinction was the recognition that shareholders can and do exert more influence and control over the firm than do non-shareholder stakeholders, often through formal mechanisms (McLaren, 2004). One school of thought regarding the lack of differences is attributable to Gable and Shireman (2004) who suggested that just as consumers are an excellent source of current market information, so too is engaging with stakeholders, an essential form of market research. McLaren (2004) suggested a necessary partnership, one where stakeholders effectively collaborated with investors, who can then exercise power for the benefit of all stakeholders.