Stakeholder list and RACI - How to start, classify stakeholders and create a RACI matrix

Sep 11, 2026

Uploaded by Miles

Guidance explains why and when a stakeholder list and RACI must be documented, approved, and quality assured across the full investment lifecycle, with evidence required at each lifecycle phase (tollgate). It defines stakeholder list/register output from the PMBOK Identify Stakeholders process, outlines methods to identify stakeholders from multiple sources, and describes classification using grid techniques covering impact, influence, interest, power, and communication/reporting needs. It then introduces the RACI matrix purpose, where to start via past artefacts or fresh analysis, and practical steps for building and reviewing the matrix for key stakeholders.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Why and when do we need Stakeholder list and RACI

When (tollgates and lifecycle evidence)

Stakeholder list/register - how to start

Identify stakeholders (PMBOK definition)

How to identify stakeholders

Brainstorming (useful questions)

Brain-writing hint

Stakeholder list/register - classification of stakeholders

Grid techniques

What to maintain in the stakeholder register

CGF template - stakeholder priority scale

Priority 4 to 1 definitions

What is a RACI matrix and where to start

RACI roles (R/A/C/I)

Options: past artefacts vs new project

RACI - how to create a matrix

Steps 1 to 3

Tips, n tricks for roles and scope

Why and when do we need Stakeholder list and RACI CGF Minimum Standards Procedures provides guidance on required artefacts Why? The compliance with minimum standards must be documented, approved and quality assured, along the entire lifecycle of an investment | When? | | | --- | --- | | | At the end of each lifecycle phase (the tollgate), minimum standards must be evidenced

I II

I Identified key stakeholders , relevant to the change investment. This will determine the high level sponsorship and forums required to oversee the investment, with a clear line of accountability from the investment to the division level control (to be documented in RACI)
II The RACI and Stakeholder list will be expanded during the planning phase to include a detailed organisation chart for the initiative structure (including if relevant the underlying program and project structure) with clear description of how escalations and reporting between governance layers and forums will be managed

| 0 For internal use only Stakeholder list / register – how to start Definition as per PMBOK: output of the Identify Stakeholders process where a stakeholder is an individual, group, or organization who may affect, be affected by or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project How to identify Stakeholders Multiple sources should be taken into consideration – just a simple brainstorming session is rarely enough. Possible formats/sources are: ◼ Documentation from similar past projects ◼ Brainstorming with the project team ◼ Perform a survey or send a questionnaire (highly dependent on the actual project) ◼ Ask your sponsor for his view ◼ Ask other already identified stakeholders Brainstorming (useful questions) ➢ Who is directly/ indirectly involved in the project? ➢ Who may be affected by the project/ project’s outcome? ➢ Who gains or loses from the project’s success? ➢ Who wants to complete the project successfully and who doesn’t? ➢ Who is the user of the end result of the project? ➢ Who has the authority to influence the project or its outcome? ➢ Who has the authority to make the project succeed/ fail? Hint: Consider brain-writing rather than brain-storming, i.e. send the questions to the audience upfront and allow time for consideration & reflection before you compile the feedback either in one session or a series of 1:1s 1 For internal use only Stakeholder list / register – classification of stakeholders How to classify Stakeholders? Grid techniques In the Stakeholder register all relevant information of Stakeholders should be maintained, i.e.: ◼ Impact ◼ Influence ◼ Interest ◼ Power ◼ Communications requirements ◼ Reporting requirements | Grid techniques allow for grouping of stakeholders according to their different levels of impact, influence, interest, and power. | | | --- | --- | |
Common grids are: | | | | | 2 For internal use only Stakeholder list / register – CGF template Excerpt from CGF Stakeholder list template Priority: 4 = High influence, high importance: stakeholders who stand to lose or gain significantly from the investment and whose actions can affect the investment's ability to meet its objectives. 3 = High influence, less importance: stakeholders whose actions can affect the investment's ability to meet its objectives, but do not stand to lose or gain much from the investment. 2 = Low influence, high importance: stakeholders who stand to lose or gain significantly from the investment, but whose actions cannot affect the investment's ability to meet its objectives. 1 = Low influence, less importance: stakeholders who do not stand to lose or gain much from the investment and whose actions cannot affect the investment's ability. 3 For internal use only What is a RACI matrix and where to start ◼ Detailed information about roles and responsibilities should be documented in the cor

FAQs

Why must the stakeholder list and RACI be documented across the investment lifecycle?

Compliance with minimum standards requires documentation, approval, and quality assurance from start to end. Evidence is needed at the end of each lifecycle phase (tollgate).

How can stakeholders be identified when starting a stakeholder list/register?

Use multiple sources rather than only brainstorming. Consider past project documentation, project team brainstorming, surveys/questionnaires, the sponsor’s view, and input from already identified stakeholders.

How do you create a RACI matrix for responsibilities?

Create a table with one stakeholder per column and a task per row, then assign Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task. Finally, review the matrix completeness and focus on key stakeholders when time is limited.

Sep 11, 2026

Uploaded by Miles