Stakeholder Analysis

September 9, 2025
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What is Stakeholder Analysis?

Stakeholder analysis is a process project managers use to identify, assess, and prioritize individuals or groups who can influence a project or whom a project can influence. It helps them understand each stakeholder’s expectations, interests, and levels of influence. The information they gather guides communication strategies and supports informed decision-making throughout the project’s lifecycle. While they typically perform this analysis during the planning phase, they should also revisit it regularly as stakeholder positions and project dynamics change.

Understanding who the stakeholders are and how they relate to the project is essential for building support, managing opposition, and ensuring project success. The analysis involves mapping stakeholders based on factors such as interest, influence, and impact. Common tools used include power-interest grids and influence-impact matrices.

Key Points

  • The project team uses stakeholder analysis to identify key individuals, groups, or organizations that may impact the project or whom the project may impact.
  • It allows project teams to understand stakeholder needs, expectations, and possible resistance.
  • Prioritizing stakeholders ensures that the project team allocates attention and resources where they matter most.
  • The process is ongoing and should be updated throughout the project lifecycle.
  • It supports better communication, risk management, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Related Terms

  • The stakeholder register is a document used to record details about identified stakeholders. Project managers typically create this as part of stakeholder analysis.
  • Project managers use a power-interest grid to categorize stakeholders based on their influence and interest in the project.
  • Stakeholder engagement refers to the process of interacting with stakeholders to meet their needs and address issues as they arise.
  • Project managers often use insights from stakeholder analysis to develop a communication plan that ensures effective information flow.
  • Project governance relies on stakeholder analysis to define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making structures.

Stakeholder Analysis: Example

A construction project for a new public library utilizes stakeholder analysis to identify key stakeholders, including city officials, residents, construction firms, and library staff. The team maps each group based on their interest and influence. City officials hold significant influence and moderate interest, so the project manager involves them in key decision-making processes. Residents, who have a high interest but limited influence, receive regular updates and opportunities for feedback.

Stakeholder Analysis: Best Practices

  • Start early and update the analysis regularly to reflect changes in the project environment.
  • Use structured tools to categorize and prioritize stakeholders.
  • Involve team members and subject matter experts to ensure a comprehensive view.
  • Communicate findings to the project team to align engagement efforts.
  • Monitor stakeholder responses and adapt strategies as needed to maintain support and minimize resistance.

Additional Resources

Stakeholder Analysis - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Seventh Edition and The Standard for Project Management     Stakeholder Analysis - Practical Project Stakeholder Management: Methods, Tools and Templates for Comprehensive Stakeholder Management

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