A Stakeholder Mapping Matrix is a tool used to categorize stakeholders based on their interest in and influence over a project. It helps prioritize efforts in communication, engagement, and relationship-building during a project like an ERP migration.
Stakeholder Mapping Matrix: Key Components
The matrix divides stakeholders into four quadrants based on:
1. Interest: The level of concern or involvement a stakeholder has in the project.
2. Influence (Power): The stakeholder’s ability to affect the project’s outcomes.
Template for a Stakeholder Mapping Matrix:
High Influence Low Influence
High Interest Low Interest
Manage Closely Keep Satisfied
These stakeholders are key These stakeholders have
players in the project. significant influence but
Actively engage them, keep less direct interest. Keep
them informed and involved them informed and meet their
in decision-making. needs without overburdening.
Examples: Executives, Sponsors Examples: Regulatory bodies,
External stakeholders
—————————–– —————————––
Keep Informed Monitor (Minimal Effort)
Stakeholders who have a lot These stakeholders have low
of interest but less direct influence and interest. Keep
influence. Provide regular them informed with minimal
updates and ensure they feel communication.
valued. Examples: Minor project teams,
Examples: End-users, Analysts Broader organization
Quadrant Definitions:
1. Manage Closely (High Influence, High Interest):
• These stakeholders are critical to the project’s success. They have a high degree of involvement and can impact decisions significantly. Regular communication, active engagement, and ensuring their concerns are addressed is crucial.
2. Keep Satisfied (High Influence, Low Interest):
• These stakeholders have significant influence but are less directly involved. They need to be kept in the loop and satisfied but do not need to be overburdened with details.
3. Keep Informed (Low Influence, High Interest):
• Stakeholders who care about the project but have little power to influence its outcome. Keeping them regularly updated, ensuring they feel included, and making sure their needs are addressed is essential.
4. Monitor (Minimal Effort) (Low Influence, Low Interest):
• Stakeholders with minimal influence and interest. These individuals can be monitored with occasional updates, but they don’t require heavy engagement.
Steps to Create a Stakeholder Mapping Matrix:
1. Identify Stakeholders:
• List out all individuals or groups impacted by or interested in the migration (e.g., executives, end-users, IT teams, vendors, etc.).
2. Assess Influence and Interest:
• Rate each stakeholder’s level of influence and interest in the ERP migration project on a scale (e.g., high, medium, low).
3. Map Stakeholders:
• Place stakeholders in the appropriate quadrant based on their influence and interest.
4. Create an Engagement Strategy:
• Develop tailored communication and engagement strategies for each stakeholder group based on where they fall in the matrix.
Example: Stakeholders During ERP Migration:
1. Manage Closely:
• Project Sponsors, IT Leadership, Department Heads
• High influence and high interest as they directly impact and oversee the migration.
2. Keep Satisfied:
• External Vendors, Regulatory Authorities
• High influence but may not be involved daily, so need to be kept informed of key decisions.
3. Keep Informed:
• End-Users, Business Analysts
• High interest in how the migration will affect them but have limited power in decision-making.
4. Monitor (Minimal Effort):
• Minor Teams, Broader Organizational Staff
• Minimal impact on the project but can be kept updated with less detailed communication.
Using a stakeholder mapping matrix ensures that you allocate time and resources efficiently, focusing on the stakeholders who need the most attention, while still keeping others informed and satisfied.