Which of the following sets of stakeholder management strategies represent appropriate approaches for Harvey; firstly, for when the project started and secondly now that his role has changed?

A business analyst is reviewing the stakeholder management strategy for a high profile Human Resources (HR) project Following an organisational restructure, Harvey’s role has changed from Director of Operations to Director of HR and he has inherited sponsorship of the project Harvey was previously involved in the project, but had little interest because his focus was on the Operational Projects that he sponsored.

Which of the following sets of stakeholder management strategies represent appropriate approaches for Harvey; firstly, for when the project started and secondly now that his role has changed?
A . Keep informed; Constant active management
B . Ignore, Constant active management
C . Watch, Constant active management
D . Constant active management, keep informed

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

A stakeholder management strategy is a plan for how to engage and communicate with stakeholders based on their level of interest and influence in the organisation or project. A stakeholder management strategy can vary depending on the stakeholder’s position on the power/interest grid, which has four quadrants: high power, high interest; high power, low interest; low power, high interest; and low power, low interest. Therefore, option C is the correct answer, as it represents appropriate stakeholder management strategies for Harvey based on his position on the grid before and after his role change. Watch means to monitor the stakeholder’s level of interest and influence and keep them informed of relevant developments. This is suitable for when Harvey was in the low power, low interest quadrant, as he had little authority or concern over the project. Constant active management means to involve the stakeholder closely in the project and seek their input and feedback regularly. This is suitable for when Harvey moved to the high power, high interest quadrant, as he became the sponsor and owner of the project. Option A is not a correct answer, as keep informed means to provide the stakeholder with sufficient information and updates to maintain their interest and support. This is more suitable for when Harvey was in the low power, high interest quadrant, not the low power, low interest quadrant. Option B is not a correct answer, as ignore means to disregard the stakeholder’s views and needs and exclude them from communication. This is not a good strategy for any stakeholder, especially one who has some power or influence over the project. Option D is not a correct answer, as constant active management means to involve the stakeholder closely in the project and seek their input and feedback regularly. This is more suitable for when Harvey was in the high power, high interest quadrant, not the low power, low interest quadrant.

Reference: BCS Practitioner Certificate in BAP Specimen, page 21.