What is stakeholder mapping?

Stakeholder mapping is a strategic tool used in project management to visualize and understand the relationships between various stakeholders, particularly their levels of influence and interest in a project. By creating a visual representation, project managers can identify who the key stakeholders are, how they might impact the project, and their potential concerns or interests. This is crucial for effective communication and engagement, as it allows project teams to tailor their approaches based on the influence and interests of each stakeholder.

In practice, stakeholder mapping often involves plotting stakeholders on a grid or matrix, where one axis represents their level of interest in the project and the other axis reflects their level of influence. This helps project managers prioritize stakeholder engagement efforts and ensures that those with the most significant impact are appropriately managed throughout the project lifecycle. Understanding stakeholder dynamics can lead to better project outcomes and more successful stakeholder relationships.