Power Grid Influence: Stakeholder Classification Matrix

PMBOK v8 Definition

The Power/Interest Grid, Power/Influence Grid, and Impact/Influence Grid are stakeholder classification techniques that support grouping stakeholders according to their level of authority (power), level of concern about the project's outcomes (interest), ability to influence the outcomes, and ability to cause changes in the project's planning or execution. These grids are data representation tools used in the Stakeholder Engagement process to categorize stakeholders into quadrants for tailored engagement strategies.

Why It Matters for the Exam

The Power Grid appears consistently on the PMI exam because it is a fundamental stakeholder analysis tool that tests your ability to classify stakeholders and determine appropriate engagement approaches. Questions typically appear in the Executing process group, requiring you to select the correct grid type for a given scenario or identify which stakeholders need specific management attention based on their power-interest classification.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Primary Purpose: Group stakeholders by authority (power) and concern (interest) to determine management strategy
• Three Grid Variants: Power/Interest Grid, Power/Influence Grid, Impact/Influence Grid
• Classification Dimensions: Power (authority level), Interest (concern about outcomes), Influence (ability to affect outcomes), Impact (ability to cause changes)
• Key Output: Stakeholder engagement assessment matrix showing current vs. desired engagement levels
• Engagement Levels Tracked: Unaware, Resistant, Neutral, Supportive, Leading
• Common Confusion: Power vs. Influence – Power is formal authority; Influence is ability to persuade without formal authority
• Exam Focus: Matching stakeholder classification to appropriate management strategy (e.g., high power/high interest = manage closely)

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager is analyzing stakeholders for a new infrastructure project. The government regulator has high authority to approve permits but shows minimal interest in daily operations. Using the Power/Interest Grid, this stakeholder should be classified as high power/low interest and managed with the "Keep Satisfied" strategy, requiring periodic updates but not constant engagement.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing Power/Interest Grid with Power/Influence Grid Reality: Power/Interest uses authority and concern; Power/Influence uses authority and ability to persuade outcomes

• Trap: Assuming "High Power/High Interest" always means "Manage Closely" Reality: This is correct – these stakeholders require active management and frequent engagement

• Trap: Thinking "Low Power/Low Interest" stakeholders need no attention Reality: They still require minimum effort monitoring; ignoring them creates risk

• Trap: Confusing stakeholder classification with stakeholder identification Reality: Classification happens AFTER identification; grids organize already-identified stakeholders

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. A stakeholder has high formal authority but low interest in project outcomes. Which quadrant of the Power/Interest Grid do they occupy, and what management strategy should be applied?

2. What is the difference between the Power/Influence Grid and the Impact/Influence Grid?

3. During stakeholder engagement assessment, a stakeholder moves from "Resistant" to "Supportive." What does this indicate about the effectiveness of your engagement strategy?

4. Which PMBOK process uses the Power/Interest Grid as a data representation tool?

5. A project team member has no formal authority but can persuade key decision-makers. Which grid dimension best describes this stakeholder's characteristic?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 5 – Tools and Techniques, pages 199-201 Stakeholder Performance Domain – Stakeholder Classification Models