Stakeholder Analysis is the systematic examination and evaluation of Stakeholders in order to prioritise, manage and engage with them effectively (stakeholdermap.com).

Alternative definition:

Stakeholder Analysis is a systematic way to analyze Stakeholders by their power and interest. High power, high interest Stakeholders are Key Players. Low power and low interest Stakeholders are least important (stakeholdermap.com).

Notes on these definitions

This definition of Stakeholder Analysis draws on the definition of analysis as:

Analysis is: 1.A systematic examination and evaluation of data or information, by breaking it into its component parts to uncover their interrelationships. Opposite of synthesis. (businessdictionary.com).

Other definitions of Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder analysis is a process of systematically gathering and analyzing qualitative information to determine whose interests should be taken into account when developing and/or implementing a policy or program (Schmeer, 2000, p.21).

Stakeholder analysis is a tool for clearly defining key Stakeholders for a project or other activity, understanding where Stakeholders stand, and developing cooperation between the Stakeholders and the project team. The main objective is to ensure successful outcomes for the project or the changes to come (ASQ, Service Quality Divsion).

Stakeholder Analysis definition - References and further reading

ASQ Service Quality Division, Stakeholder Analysis. [online] Available at: https://asq.org/service/body-of-knowledge/tools-stakeholder-analysis [Accessed 24 April 2016].

Business Dictionary [online] Available at: https://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/analysis.html [Accessed 05 May 2016].

Schmeer, K. Stakeholder Analysis Guidelines, in Policy Toolkit for Strengthening Health, 2000. [online] Available at: https://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/48545/RD1.PDF.pdf. Health Sector Reform Initiative. [Accessed 24 April 2016].

Stakeholder Analysis resources

FREE stakeholder analysis power/interest template

Basic Stakeholder Analysis Method

Stakeholder Analysis Pleasure and Displeasure List

Key stakeholders - how to identify key business stakeholders"

Stakeholder mind map

Stakeholder Salience

Interest matrix

All stakeholder map templates