A qualitative case study approach was adopted, focusing on the development of shale gas in specific licensed areas. Semi structured interviews and documentary analysis were used to obtain the perspectives of engagement managers, regulators, local communities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and industry experts. Collectively, all study participants were stakeholders in the shale gas development process. There was consistency in the understanding of who or what constituted as stakeholders; however, stakeholder engagement was often viewed as prescriptive,...