📊 Power-Interest Analysis Grid

Visual mapping tool to prioritize stakeholders based on their influence and interest levels. This framework helps you design appropriate engagement strategies for each stakeholder group, ensuring efficient use of your time and resources.

🔗 Connection to Your Analysis Journey

Building on Previous Work

You’ve identified your stakeholders using the Stakeholder Identification Template. Now you need to prioritize them strategically. Not all stakeholders require the same level of engagement - this grid helps you allocate your efforts effectively.

Link to Problem Tree Validation

Remember, your goal is to validate the assumptions (A) from your Problem Tree Analysis. Focus your deepest engagement on stakeholders who can provide the most critical validation for your core assumptions.

📐 Understanding the Power-Interest Grid

The Four Quadrants Framework

                    HIGH INTEREST
                          ↑
    ┌─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┐
    │                     │                     │
    │   KEEP SATISFIED    │   MANAGE CLOSELY    │
    │   (Communicate)     │   (Partner)         │
    │                     │                     │
HIGH│                     │                     │HIGH
POWER←────────────────────┼─────────────────────→POWER
    │                     │                     │
    │   MONITOR          │   KEEP INFORMED     │
    │   (Minimal)        │   (Engage)          │
    │                     │                     │
    └─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┘
                          ↓
                     LOW INTEREST

Defining Power and Interest

POWER = Ability to influence your project’s success

Formal authority (decision-making rights)
Resource control (funding, staff, facilities)
Influence networks (ability to sway others)
Expertise credibility (respected knowledge)
Community standing (social influence)

INTEREST = Level of concern about the issue

Direct impact (how much it affects them)
Professional responsibility (job-related concern)
Values alignment (personal commitment)
Historical engagement (past involvement)
Stated priorities (public positions)

🎯 Quadrant 1: High Power, High Interest (MANAGE CLOSELY)

Characteristics

✓ Have significant influence over project success
✓ Care deeply about the issue or outcomes
✓ Can be powerful allies or formidable opponents
✓ Worth significant time investment

Who Typically Falls Here

Community leaders passionate about your cause
Department heads with budget authority
Affected population representatives with organizing power
Established organizations working on similar issues
Major funders interested in your approach

Engagement Strategy: Deep Partnership

Frequency: Regular, ongoing engagement
Depth: Collaborative decision-making
Methods:

One-on-one strategic meetings
Joint planning sessions
Advisory board positions
Co-creation of solutions
Shared accountability frameworks

Key Actions:

Schedule regular check-ins (weekly/bi-weekly)
Involve in key decisions before they’re made
Share challenges transparently
Recognize their contributions publicly
Build genuine partnership, not just consultation

Communication Tips:

Be fully transparent about progress and challenges
Seek their input before major decisions
Provide detailed updates with context
Create opportunities for them to shape direction
Acknowledge their expertise and influence

💼 Quadrant 2: High Power, Low Interest (KEEP SATISFIED)

Characteristics

✓ Have significant influence but limited attention
✓ Busy with multiple priorities
✓ Need to stay informed without detail
✓ Could become opponents if blindsided

Who Typically Falls Here

Senior government officials with broad portfolios
CEOs of partner organizations
Regulatory bodies and permit grantors
Busy funders supporting multiple projects
Media outlets with wide coverage

Engagement Strategy: Strategic Communication

Frequency: Periodic, planned touchpoints
Depth: High-level summaries
Methods:

Executive briefings
Quarterly update reports
Formal presentations when needed
Email bulletins
Courtesy consultations

Key Actions:

Create concise, professional updates
Focus on outcomes and impacts
Flag anything affecting their interests early
Respect their time constraints
Be ready to engage deeper if interest increases

Communication Tips:

Lead with key points and outcomes
Use visuals and infographics
Keep messages under 1 page/5 minutes
Highlight how you’re managing risks
Always offer option for more detail

📢 Quadrant 3: Low Power, High Interest (KEEP INFORMED)

Characteristics

✓ Care deeply but have limited formal authority
✓ Often closest to the problem
✓ Rich in insights and lived experience
✓ Can become grassroots advocates

Who Typically Falls Here

Direct beneficiaries and affected communities
Frontline workers and volunteers
Student groups and youth organizations
Community-based organizations
Individual advocates and activists

Engagement Strategy: Active Involvement

Frequency: Regular, inclusive engagement
Depth: Meaningful participation
Methods:

Community meetings and forums
Focus group discussions
Surveys and feedback sessions
Volunteer opportunities
Social media engagement

Key Actions:

Create multiple ways to participate
Actively seek their input and feedback
Show how their input shapes decisions
Build their capacity to engage
Recognize and appreciate contributions

Communication Tips:

Use accessible language and formats
Provide regular, transparent updates
Show how their input made a difference
Create safe spaces for honest feedback
Build community and connection

👁️ Quadrant 4: Low Power, Low Interest (MONITOR)

Characteristics

✓ Limited influence and attention
✓ May become relevant as context changes
✓ Worth monitoring but not intensive engagement
✓ Could shift quadrants over time

Who Typically Falls Here

Peripheral government departments
Organizations in adjacent sectors
Academic researchers in related fields
International observers
General public

Engagement Strategy: Light Touch

Frequency: Occasional updates
Depth: General information
Methods:

Newsletter inclusion
Website updates
Annual reports
Public forums
Social media posts

Key Actions:

Include in broad communications
Monitor for changes in position
Be prepared to increase engagement
Keep door open for future involvement
Don’t invest heavy resources

Communication Tips:

Use mass communication channels
Keep messages general and brief
Focus on major milestones only
Make information easily accessible
Be responsive if they reach out

📋 Stakeholder Mapping Template

Step 1: List Your Stakeholders

Transfer your stakeholders from the identification template:

Stakeholder Name	Category (Primary/Secondary/Tertiary)	Initial Notes

Step 2: Assess Power Level (1-10)

Rate each stakeholder’s power using these criteria:

Power Factor	Weight	Score (1-10)
Decision-making authority	30%
Resource control	25%
Influence over others	20%
Technical expertise	15%
Community standing	10%
Total Power Score

Step 3: Assess Interest Level (1-10)

Rate each stakeholder’s interest using these criteria:

Interest Factor	Weight	Score (1-10)
Direct impact from problem	30%
Professional responsibility	25%
Historical involvement	20%
Values alignment	15%
Public statements	10%
Total Interest Score

Step 4: Plot on Grid

Based on scores:

8-10: High
4-7: Medium
1-3: Low

         HIGH INTEREST (8-10)
                ↑
    ┌───────────┼───────────┐
    │     Q2    │    Q1     │
    │           │           │
HIGH│───────────┼───────────│HIGH
(8-10)          │          (8-10)
    │     Q4    │    Q3     │
    │           │           │
    └───────────┼───────────┘
                ↓
         LOW INTEREST (1-3)

🎯 Engagement Planning by Quadrant

Manage Closely (Q1) - Partnership Approach

Stakeholder: [Name]
Power: [8-10] | Interest: [8-10]

ENGAGEMENT PLAN:
□ Weekly/bi-weekly meetings scheduled
□ Direct phone/email access established
□ Role in decision-making defined
□ Joint work plan developed
□ Success metrics agreed

Next Steps:
1. Initial strategic meeting
2. Establish communication protocol
3. Define partnership framework

Keep Satisfied (Q2) - Efficient Updates

Stakeholder: [Name]
Power: [8-10] | Interest: [1-7]

ENGAGEMENT PLAN:
□ Monthly/quarterly briefing scheduled
□ Executive summary template created
□ Early warning system for issues
□ Point person assigned
□ Escalation protocol defined

Next Steps:
1. Send introductory brief
2. Confirm communication preferences
3. Schedule quarterly check-ins

Keep Informed (Q3) - Inclusive Engagement

Stakeholder: [Name]
Power: [1-7] | Interest: [8-10]

ENGAGEMENT PLAN:
□ Community meeting invitations
□ Regular newsletter subscription
□ Feedback mechanisms created
□ Volunteer opportunities offered
□ Recognition system planned

Next Steps:
1. Add to communication lists
2. Invite to upcoming forums
3. Create feedback channels

Monitor (Q4) - Minimal Touch

Stakeholder: [Name]
Power: [1-7] | Interest: [1-7]

ENGAGEMENT PLAN:
□ Added to general mailing list
□ Quarterly position check
□ Public information accessible
□ Response protocol if activated
□ Monitoring system in place

Next Steps:
1. Add to database
2. Set quarterly review reminder
3. Monitor for status changes

⚠️ Dynamic Stakeholder Management

Stakeholders Can Move Quadrants

Interest Can Increase When:

Problem becomes more visible/urgent
They see potential benefits
Peers become involved
Media attention grows
Personal circumstances change

Power Can Increase When:

They get promoted/elected
Build coalitions with others
Gain media platform
Acquire new resources
Develop expertise

Regular Review Process

Monthly Quick Check:

Any new stakeholders emerged?
Any stakeholders changed position?
Any relationships strengthened/weakened?

Quarterly Deep Review:

Reassess all power/interest scores
Update engagement strategies
Review effectiveness of current approach
Plan for next quarter

Signs to Increase Engagement:

Stakeholder reaches out proactively
Their situation/role changes
Project enters their area of influence
They express increased interest
Others identify them as important

💡 Advanced Tips

Managing Difficult Dynamics

When Stakeholders Conflict:

Map relationships between stakeholders
Engage separately before bringing together
Find common ground and shared interests
Use neutral facilitators if needed
Document different perspectives fairly

When High Power Opposes You:

Understand their underlying concerns
Find win-win opportunities
Engage their influencers
Build coalition of support
Consider compromise positions

When Interest Doesn’t Match Importance:

Create relevance through storytelling
Show connection to their priorities
Engage through trusted intermediaries
Start with small asks to build interest
Demonstrate early wins

Cultural Considerations

Different cultures may express power and interest differently:

Formal vs. informal authority structures
Direct vs. indirect communication styles
Individual vs. collective decision-making
Visible vs. behind-scenes influence
Public vs. private expressions of interest

Always validate your assessments with cultural insiders.

📥 Next Steps

After completing your power-interest analysis:

Create engagement plans using the Engagement Planning Worksheet
Prepare targeted questions with the Interview Question Bank
Consider cultural factors using the Cultural Considerations Guide
Start with Quadrant 1 stakeholders for immediate engagement

Remember: The power-interest grid is a planning tool, not a rigid framework. Use it to prioritize your efforts, but remain flexible and responsive to changing stakeholder dynamics.