Salience Model
The salience model classifies stakeholders based on three attributes: their power (ability to impose their will), legitimacy (appropriateness of their involvement), and urgency (need for immediate attention).
Explanation
The salience model uses three overlapping circles to categorize stakeholders based on how many of the three attributes (power, legitimacy, urgency) they possess. Stakeholders with all three attributes are called Definitive stakeholders and require the highest priority. Those with two attributes are Dominant (power + legitimacy), Dangerous (power + urgency), or Dependent (legitimacy + urgency). Those with only one attribute are Dormant (power only), Discretionary (legitimacy only), or Demanding (urgency only).
This model provides more nuance than two-dimensional grids by adding a third classification dimension. It is particularly useful when the project manager needs to prioritize among many stakeholders, as the number of attributes a stakeholder possesses directly indicates their salience and the attention they require.
The salience model should be reassessed periodically because stakeholder attributes can change. A Dormant stakeholder may gain urgency and legitimacy, becoming Definitive and requiring immediate attention.
Key Points
- •Three attributes: power, legitimacy, and urgency
- •Definitive stakeholders (all three attributes) require highest priority
- •Seven classifications based on attribute combinations plus non-stakeholders with none
- •Provides more nuance than two-dimensional grids
Exam Tip
Know the seven classifications and which attributes define each. Definitive (all three), Dominant (power + legitimacy), Dangerous (power + urgency), and Dependent (legitimacy + urgency) are the most tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholder analysis is a technique for systematically gathering and analyzing quantitative and qualitative information to determine whose interests should be taken into account throughout the project.
Stakeholder Classification
Stakeholder classification is the process of categorizing stakeholders based on shared attributes such as power, interest, influence, impact, urgency, or legitimacy to determine appropriate engagement strategies.
Power/Interest Grid
The power/interest grid is a stakeholder classification model that groups stakeholders based on their level of authority (power) and their level of concern (interest) regarding project outcomes.
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