magtinteressematrix

Magtinteressematrix, also known as the power–interest matrix, is a framework used in stakeholder analysis to categorize stakeholders according to their power to influence a project and their interest in its outcomes. The goal is to tailor engagement and communication strategies to manage risk and secure support effectively.

Origin and name: The concept originated from Mendelow's matrix, developed by Bryan Mendelow in 1991. In languages where “magt” means power and “interesse” means interest, magtinteressematrix is a direct translation used to describe the same tool in local terminology.

Structure: It is a two-by-two grid with axes representing power (low to high) and interest (low to high). The four quadrants are typically labeled as:

- High power, high interest: manage closely

- High power, low interest: keep satisfied

- Low power, high interest: keep informed

- Low power, low interest: monitor

Application: Users identify stakeholders, assess their relative power and interest, and place them on the matrix. This informs engagement plans: frequent and proactive communication for those in the high-power/high-interest quadrant; selective updates for high-power/low-interest stakeholders; regular information for low-power/high-interest stakeholders; minimal effort for those with low power and low interest. The matrix helps prioritize resource allocation and anticipate reactions.

Variations and limitations: Some implementations add scales or additional dimensions such as influence or attitude. The approach is inherently subjective and may oversimplify complex networks; stakeholder power and interest can shift over time, so the matrix should be revisited periodically and integrated with broader stakeholder analysis.

See also: Stakeholder analysis, Mendelow's Matrix, Stakeholder management.