Stakeholder analysis is a tool by which a company can recognize stakeholders. It provides a visual means of identifying stakeholders so that you can develop an action plan for engagement. Things to think about when identifying stakeholders:

• Who has a stake (positive or negative) in the problem or issue?
• Who is most affected?
• Who are the opinion leaders in the community?
• Who may have knowledge, opinions, values or feelings towards the company or issue?
• What are the threats, risks, costs and benefits of different groups for the company?

Links to some guides and examples of how to carry out stakeholder analysis are available below. The methods can be adapted to apply to any type of project, business or organisation.

Landcare research
University of Hull
Management Sciences for Health and UNICEF
Mind Tools