Set-Up

 

Stakeholders are individuals and groups (internal and external) who are directly or indirectly affected by the outcomes of a project or initiative. In other words, they are the people who “hold a stake” in a particular line of work. Ultimately, stakeholders help leaders understand the effects the work may have on others or on a system as a whole. Their input and perspectives provide the guidance necessary to ensure that a scope of work meets the needs of its intended audience(s), fulfills its intended purpose, and meets its intended goals.

Stakeholder engagement involves the use of a collaborative process to gather a wide range of perspectives from stakeholders at multiple levels of an organization or system. It includes individuals within an organization and others outside the organization. Overall, stakeholder engagement guides the creation and execution of a defined scope of work throughout the lifecycle of a project or initiative.
 

The word cloud below illustrates the multidimensional nature of stakeholder engagement. It involves valuing perspectives of individuals within an organization or system and individuals outside the system. To be effective, stakeholder engagement requires commitment and time to build trusting relationships among participants who work collaboratively toward a shared purpose and common goal.

As you learn more about effective stakeholder engagement in this session, you will gain an understanding of ways you can effectively participate in or lead stakeholder groups involved in data system initiatives within your state. Take the first step toward gaining that understanding by reviewing the Challenge Question below.