Tool 10 – Download here
| Aim of the tool Analyse the most important stakeholders by focusing on their characteristics and roles. When to use it? |
What is a Stakeholder Characteristics and Roles Matrix?
Already at the early stages of an MSP, stakeholder analysis is key. Once the issue at stake is clear, making a Stakeholder Characteristics & Roles Matrix helps to map all relevant stakeholders and how they relate to the issue. It reveals whose interests need to be taken into account as well as their potential influence and contributions to the MSP. Used in combination with the Importance and Influence Matrix, the outcomes of this systematic stakeholder analysis enables a stakeholder specific approach and strategy.
Step by step
The Stakeholder and Characteristics Matrix can be used with groups, or for a research team to synthesize findings, for example, from semi-structured interviews. It consists of two steps, but these can be done separately if required.
Step 1 – Stakeholder characteristics
For each stakeholder, try to find this information and fill the matrix.
| Stakeholders | Interests – stakes in MSP | Contributions to successful outcomes of MSP (knowledge, money, time, labor) | Decision-making power (influential or not) |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 |
Step 2 – Roles and levels of engagement
This step requires you to name the stakeholders of Step 1 in the cells with corresponding roles. It will help you to get a bit more specific than just calling somebody/organisation a ‘stakeholder’. Remember that roles may change over time as an MSP develops and relationships are built – or turn sour.
| Role | Stakeholder |
| Partner | |
| Contractor | |
| Influencer / Champion | |
| Disseminator | |
| Funder | |
| Informer / Consultation | |
| Knowledge provider | |
| Regulator | |
| Beneficiary | |
| Other |
Learn more
Step 1 is based on the RAAKS methodology. Paul Engel & Monique Salomon (1997) Networking for innovation: A participatory actor-oriented methodology. See here
Step 2 is adapted from Tennyson, R. (2011). The Partnering Toolbook; and CDI course materials.
MSP Guide 