Why Stakeholder Management Often Fails
In real-world projects, managers often face this dilemma: Too many stakeholders, not enough clarity.
Some stakeholders demand immediate action while sothers remain passive yet hold hidden power. Without a clear method, it’s easy to waste resources or neglect critical voices.
Developed by Mitchell, Agle, and Wood, the Stakeholder Saliency Model provides a smart framework for identifying which stakeholders matter most and how to manage them efficiently.
Three Simple Factors That Define Stakeholder Importance
The model says a stakeholder’s importance—or saliency—depends on three attributes:
Power
Their ability to influence the project: through authority, resources, or political strength.
Legitimacy
Whether their involvement is appropriate—are they officially part of the project, or do they have moral or legal standing?
Urgency
How time-sensitive or critical their needs are—do they demand immediate attention?
The 7 Stakeholder Types


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