Stakeholder engagement & communication management

Question 1

What is good stakeholder engagement/definition?

Answer 1

Ability to work with people internally and externally to achieve intended outcomes

Question 2

What are the steps to stakeholder analysis?

Answer 2

1. Identify key stakeholders (internal/external); what interests in project are; relationship to project; effect that interests have on project viability.
2. Identify views of stakeholders to support levels of influence/engagement
3. Develop stakeholder engagement strategy for each group.

Question 3

What to include in communication plan & engagement strategy?

Answer 3

What? When? How? Who to? Who by?

The message to communicate; how to communicate (type of media, level of information, tailor to each group, how to best engage); frequency of comms; who carries out comms; level of feedback expected; potential barriers; stakeholders who should/should not communicate with each other.

Question 4

What is a power/interest grid? What is the aim?

Answer 4

Maps each stakeholder. Aims to ensure highest satisfaction levels are achieved. Can then choose how to engage with stakeholder.

High/low power vs interest (against/for project)

Question 5

What are benefits to creating an effective stakeholder communication plan?

Answer 5

1. Tailoring comms to suit identified audience.
2. Recording best methods of commns for each stakeholder needs and preferences.
3. Ensure consistent approach to comms: assign responsibilities, provide stucture & clarity.

Question 6

What are different communication methods? And what to think about when choosing?

Answer 6

Written; verbal F2F.
Target audience, intended impact, risks or potential unintended impact, cultural/langauge, comm norms, accessibility/inclusion.

Question 7

Factors to think about when communicating with stakeholders

Answer 7

Physical location, time zones; cultural diversity and language; skill and technical capabilities; physical environment; body language; personal circumstances and personality traits.

Question 8

Why is it important to manage stakeholder expectations?

Answer 8

Effective risk management; improved comms planning; effective engagement actions; increased likelihood of project acceptance.