A Stakeholder Register is a project document that includes information about project stakeholders including an assessment and classification of project stakeholders.
It serves as the central record of stakeholder identities, roles, interests, influence, and engagement requirements, and supports the development of tailored communication and involvement strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Characteristics
- Comprehensive Record – Lists all individuals, groups, and organizations relevant to the project
- Includes Classification Data – Assesses influence, interest, impact, and engagement level
- Supports Engagement Planning – Feeds into the stakeholder engagement plan
- Evolving Document – Updated as new stakeholders are identified or existing ones change
Example Scenarios
- Identifying stakeholders and categorizing them during project initiation
- Updating the register to reflect a change in organizational leadership
- Using classification data to develop targeted communication approaches
Typical Contents of a Stakeholder Register
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder Name | Individual or group identifier |
| Role or Position | Relationship to the project or organization |
| Contact Information | Email, phone, or preferred communication channel |
| Influence and Interest | Assessment of stakeholder power and concern level |
| Engagement Classification | Current and/or desired level (e.g., unaware, resistant, supportive) |
| Notes/Considerations | Special needs, expectations, or history with similar projects |
Role in Stakeholder and Communication Management
- Enables Targeted Engagement – Informs strategies based on accurate stakeholder data
- Improves Communication Efficiency – Supports prioritization and message tailoring
- Facilitates Monitoring and Adaptation – Tracks changes in stakeholder status and needs
- Drives Alignment and Buy-In – Helps maintain transparency and mutual understanding
See also: Stakeholder, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Assessment Matrix, Communication Management Plan, Project Management Plan.