Stakeholder Analysis Guidelines
Stakeholder Analysis Guidelines 2-3
Step 1: Planning the Process
Define the purpose of the analysis, and identify uses for the
results.
The first step in conducting a stakeholder analysis is to d efine the purpose of the analysis, iden-
tify the potential users of the information, and devise a plan for using the information. A discus-
sion of these issues should be led by the “sponsor,” or initiator, of the stakeholder analysis.
As noted above, information generated from stakeholder analysis may serve several pur-
poses: to provide input for other analyses; to inform the development of action plans to increase
support for a reform policy; or to guide a participatory, consensus-building process.
Other activities, such as strategic planning, institutional assessments, or application of com-
puterized programs like PolicyMaker,
1
often require the type of information produced by a
stakeholder analysis—who the stakeholders are, what their p ositions are r elated to a policy,
how important they are, and so forth. It may be useful, therefore, to conduct a stakeholder anal-
ysis in conjunction with these activities.
Policymakers and managers may use the results of a stakeholder analysis to develop their
action plans. These plans should identify concrete actions, and possibly “behind the scenes”
activities, that the policymakers and managers will implement to increase stakeholder support.
Finally, policymakers and managers may use the results in open discussions with stakehold-
ers in an effort to build consensus. This allows stakeholders to see where they are relative to oth-
ers and enco urages discussion on how to address the oppo sition’s concerns. This may be useful
when the number of stakeholders is small and manageable and when consensus-building is a
stated goal of the analysis.
Before proceeding with the next steps, the sponsor should ensure that a consensus exists
among the policymakers as to the p urpose of the analysis, its proposed users, and the intended
use of the results.
Identify and train a working group.
The sponsor of the activity should form a small “working group” (two to four people) whose
members will be the interviewers and analysts for the stakeholder analysis. The sponsor may
guide the process and serve as a point of reference, or he or she may be a member—even the
leader—of the working group.
Whenever possible, the working group should represent distinct interests and organizations.
This helps prevent the type of biases that can occur when a single person or institution conducts
an analysis. Having members with differing points of view can also be helpful in interpreting
the qualitative and, at times, ambiguous data that emerge. If possible, the group should include
1. PolicyMaker is a computer program (designed by Harvard University) that organizes stakeholder information,
provides guidance on strategies to deal with the stakeholders, and creates effective visuals for presenting the
information to policymakers.
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