Stakeholder Engagement

Effective stakeholder management is one of the most critical success factors in project management. The APM BoK emphasises that stakeholders are individuals or groups with an interest in the project — they may be affected by the project or able to affect the project. Stakeholder management is an ongoing process throughout the project, not a one-time activity.

The stakeholder management process involves: identification (who are the stakeholders?), analysis (what is their interest and influence?), planning (how will we engage them?), and engagement (ongoing communication and relationship management).

Key Points

• Stakeholders can have positive or negative interest in the project
• Stakeholder analysis uses Power/Interest Grid to prioritise engagement
• High power, high interest: Manage Closely
• High power, low interest: Keep Satisfied
• Low power, high interest: Keep Informed
• Low power, low interest: Monitor
• Stakeholder register documents all stakeholders and engagement plans
• Communication plan specifies what, how, when, and to whom
• Engage stakeholders early — harder to change minds once expectations set

Key Terms & Definitions

Stakeholder

An individual, group, or organisation who may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by a project.

Stakeholder Analysis

The technique of systematically gathering and analysing quantitative and qualitative information to determine whose interests should be taken into account throughout the project.

Power/Interest Grid

A matrix used to categorise stakeholders by their level of authority (power) and their level of concern (interest) regarding project outcomes.

Communication Plan

A document that describes who needs what information, when they need it, and how it will be provided.

Stakeholder Register

A document containing information about identified project stakeholders and their interests, involvement, and potential impact on project success.