Power/Interest Matrix

In this matrix, power refers to how much influence the stakeholder can have on the project), while interest refers to their interest in the issue.

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Format Method, WorkshopTimeframe 1hGroup Size 1 - 15Facilitation Level LowRequired Materials Pen and paper, Post its, (Stakeholder) Importance/Influence Matrix Template in A0 printed 9 (or online) version

Steps

  • It is advised this exercise is connected to the brainstorming session on various stakeholders. Once the stakeholders have already been identified, you can map them, by using post-its, on the power/interest matrix graph
  • To begin the power/interest matrix exercise, you should either draw the graph on a blank piece of paper, or print the matrix already drawn.
  • There are four quadrants in the matrix. In the bottom left corner, you should map the stakeholders that have low power and low interest (in your project). In the upper left corner, you should map the stakeholders that have high power, but low interest - you should aim to find ways to engage these stakeholders. Next, in the low right-hand side of the matrix, you have the stakeholders with low power, but high interest. And finally, in the top right quadrant you will map stakeholders that have high power and high interest.

Benefits

  • This tool can help map the stakeholders' relations (power and interest) to your project to proceed in the best way. Furthermore, it can contribute to understanding what is needed to motivate the stakeholder.

Tips

  • Stakeholders may have power in a variety of ways. It is crucial to view every stakeholder from different perspectives.
  • After you finish the exercise, you should describe the actions proposed for the management of each group.
  • Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you need to add these actions to the communications plan and your the project schedule, to track your activities
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