Stakeholder Classification Models for Simple Projects

PMBOK v8 Definition

Stakeholder classification models are techniques used to categorize project stakeholders based on their relationship to the project and to each other. According to PMBOK v8, "These classification models are useful for small projects or projects with simple relationships between stakeholders and the project, or within the stakeholder community itself." The primary classification models include the power/interest grid, power/influence grid, influence/impact grid, stakeholder cube, salience model, and directions of influence.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions about stakeholder identification and engagement planning. Exam questions often test your ability to select the correct classification model based on project complexity—specifically, knowing that simple models are appropriate for small projects while complex models (like salience model) are reserved for large, complex stakeholder communities.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Primary Classification Models: Power/interest grid, power/influence grid, influence/impact grid, stakeholder cube, salience model, directions of influence

• Small Project Rule: Classification models (grid models) are specifically recommended for small projects or projects with simple stakeholder relationships

• Stakeholder Cube: A refinement of grid models that combines grid elements into a three-dimensional model to improve depiction of the stakeholder community as a multidimensional entity

• Directions of Influence Categories: Upward (senior management, sponsor), Downward (team, specialists), Outward (suppliers, government, public, end users, regulators), Sideward (peers of the project manager)

• Salience Model: Used for large, complex communities or complex networks of relationships; based on power, urgency, and legitimacy (with an adaptation substituting proximity for legitimacy)

• Purpose: These models assist the team in building relationships with identified stakeholders and developing communication strategies

• Key Output: Stakeholder engagement assessment matrix (Figure 5-23) is a common method used after classification

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager is leading a small internal project with only five stakeholders: the sponsor, two team members, an end user, and a department manager. All relationships are straightforward. The project manager needs to classify stakeholders for engagement planning. Which classification model is MOST appropriate?

Answer: A simple grid model (power/interest grid or power/influence grid) because these classification models are designed for small projects with simple stakeholder relationships.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Selecting the salience model for a small project Reality: Salience model is explicitly for "large, complex communities of stakeholders" or "complex networks of relationships"

• Trap: Confusing stakeholder cube with salience model Reality: Stakeholder cube is a refinement of grid models (3D version); salience model uses power, urgency, and legitimacy dimensions

• Trap: Thinking directions of influence applies only to external stakeholders Reality: Includes upward (internal senior management), downward (team), outward (external), and sideward (peer project managers)

• Trap: Assuming all classification models work equally well for any project size Reality: PMBOK v8 explicitly states grid models are "useful for small projects or projects with simple relationships"

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. A project has 50 stakeholders with complex interrelationships and competing interests. Which classification model is MOST appropriate according to PMBOK v8?

2. In the directions of influence technique, where would a government regulator be classified: upward, downward, outward, or sideward?

3. The stakeholder cube is described as a refinement of which earlier classification approach?

4. What are the three dimensions used in the standard salience model?

5. A project manager uses the power/interest grid for stakeholder classification. According to PMBOK v8, what characteristic of the project makes this choice appropriate?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 13.1.2.4 - Stakeholder Classification (within Identify Stakeholders process)
Process Group: Initiating
Knowledge Area: Project Stakeholder Management