Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Management

Question 1

What is a stakeholder?

Answer 1

A stakeholder is anyone with an interest or role in the project. Stakeholders can be both internal and external.

Question 2

What are the stages of stakeholder analysis?

Answer 2

1. Identify who the stakeholders are
2. Identify each stakeholders interest in the project and their views
3. Develop the most appropriate engagement strategy

Question 3

What are the two key elements of the power / interest grid?

Answer 3

Stakeholders are measured as having high/low power and high/low interest.

Stakeholders can be for or against the project.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the power / influence grid?

Answer 4

The power / influence grid will inform the level of engagement required by each stakeholder.

I.e. High interest require close management, whereas low interest should be kept informed.

Question 5

What are the elements of a stakeholder communication management plan?

Answer 5

1. Who the project communicates with
2. What information will be conveyed
3. How the information will be shared
4. Frequency of communication
5. What are the costs
6. How feedback will be collected
7. Who will share communications

Question 6

What are the benefits of an effective stakeholder communication management plan?

Answer 6

1. Enhances engagement by tailoring communication to each stakeholder
2. Ensures a consistent approach and clarity
3. Sets clear responsibilities
4. Records best method of communication for each stakeholder
5. Helps to avoid potential conflict

Question 7

What are the benefits of managing stakeholder expectations?

Answer 7

1. Effective risk management
2. Improved communication plan
3. Increased likelihood of project acceptance
4. Clear requirements

Question 8

What are the different methods of communication?

Answer 8

1. Written - this may be reports, newsletters, emails, graphs, data
2. Verbal - face-to-face or via technology

All communication methods can be both formal and informal

Question 9

What are the key considerations of communication?

Answer 9

1. Target audience
2. Intended impact
3. Risks or unintended impact
4. Cultural or language influence
5. Organisational norms
6. Accessibility and inclusion

Question 10

What are the factors of communication that can be positive/negative?

Answer 10

1. Technology and skills
2. Environment
3. Cultural diversity and language
4. Body language
5. Personal circumstances and personality
6. Perception/bias