The successful undertaking of project management requires effective stakeholder management to support organizational and individual objectives through understanding and influencing the internal and external environments. Therefore, the identification and management of stakeholders is a key skill for all project managers. Stakeholders are individuals who represent specific interest groups served by the outcomes and performance of a project or program. Project managers are accountable for the end-to-end management of their projects including performance and expectation management of individuals who may be outside their direct control.
Project managers should consider the people issues surrounding projects and recognize that the appropriate involvement and management of stakeholders can be a critical success factor. Consequently, project managers should have a formal stakeholder management process that is appropriate for the circumstances of the project. The planning and approach for stakeholder management will be shared along with the processes and tools that will create positive relationships with stakeholder by setting objectives and managing their expectations.