Project Management guide · Planning and scope
Project Stakeholder Management: Identify, Analyse, Engage
Stakeholders are people or groups who affect, or are affected by, a project. Stakeholder management identifies them, understands their needs and influence, and keeps them appropriately engaged.
Key takeaways
- Identify stakeholders early and continually.
- Use a power/interest grid to plan engagement.
- Keep a stakeholder register and review it regularly.
Who stakeholders are
- Sponsor and executives.
- Customers and end users.
- Project team and functional managers.
- Suppliers and partners.
- Regulators and the public.
The process
- Identify stakeholders early and continually.
- Analyse their interests, influence and attitudes.
- Plan engagement for each group.
- Engage through communication and involvement.
- Monitor and adjust as relationships change.
Power/interest grid
| Low interest | High interest | |
|---|---|---|
| High power | Keep satisfied | Manage closely |
| Low power | Monitor | Keep informed |
Stakeholder register
A table listing each stakeholder, their role, interests, influence, current and desired engagement, and the owner of the relationship. Review it at each phase.
Engagement tips
- Involve key stakeholders in defining objectives.
- Tailor communication to each group; see communication management.
- Address concerns early.
- Make trade-offs visible.
Free templates for this topic
Frequently asked questions
What is a project stakeholder?
Anyone who affects or is affected by the project.
What is project stakeholder analysis?
Assessing stakeholders' interests, influence and attitudes.
What is a project stakeholder register?
A document listing stakeholders and how they will be managed.
What is the power/interest grid in stakeholder management?
A tool to classify stakeholders by power and interest to plan engagement.
Who is responsible for stakeholder management?
The project manager, supported by the sponsor.
What is the difference between stakeholder management and engagement?
Engagement emphasises involving stakeholders, not just managing them.
How often should project stakeholders be reviewed?
At each phase and when significant changes occur.
How does a RACI matrix support stakeholder management?
It clarifies who is responsible, accountable, consulted and informed, so each stakeholder knows their role; see RACI matrix.
How do you handle a resistant project stakeholder?
Understand their concerns, involve them, and show how the project addresses their interests.
Why is stakeholder management important?
Unmanaged stakeholders can derail projects through resistance or late changes.