1.

Who? Identify all potential stakeholder groups and shareholders

1.1	Divide list between internal and external stakeholder groups.
1.2	Decide what information is required on each stakeholder group and find out where to obtain it. Use the following questions as guidelines:
	a) What interests them and why? b) What do they expect to gain from the project? c) How can the project influence them or their environment? d) Can their experience or knowledge contribute towards the project? e) What are their strengths and weaknesses? f) Does the stakeholder group have a hidden agenda? g) Do the stakeholders have any power in terms of the project? If so, what power? h) Do the stakeholders have any legal powers? i) Is the stakeholder group in favour of the project? j) Will the project have an impact on the stakeholder group’s work performance? k) Can the stakeholder group create any problems for the project? l) Does the stakeholder group have a history regarding previous projects? NB! Some of this information may be confidential. Decide in advancewho will be allowed to see this information.
1.3	Decide whether communication will be formal or informal.

2.

What information?

2.1	Scope: Mind overload – obtain a balance between the value of the information and the time and costs associated with the gathering, processing and distribution of the information.
2.2	Format: Use standard forms as far as possible.

3.

With what? / Medium? Identify which medium will be used for each target group.

4.

When? / Schedule: Determine the communication schedule and include this as actions in the project plan.

5.

Feedback and filing: Decide how to react to each message and how it will be saved.

6.

Responsibility: The responsibility for the management of key stakeholder groups lies with the project manager.

7.

Handling

Additional documentation

Guidelines: Communication

Template: Communication structures