Power Matrix
Purpose of the Tool:
- To more fully understand all individuals and groups of stakeholders that are affected, can affect, or have interest in the issue/project.
- To consider the action team's ability to influence, onboard, empower, or neutralize stakeholders as needed.
Suggested Use:
- Begin by making sure the action team has a common understanding of the project, problem definition, or target goal.
- Before looking at the matrix, brainstorm a list of people and groups that are involved, should be involved, will be impacted by the work, or will influence the work.
- Sort the list by putting each identified group or individual into a quadrant of the matrix by level of interest and power.
- Review the matrix sectors and determine who is missing.
- Discuss the questions listed in each quadrant, specifically considering the groups and individuals the action team has placed there.
- Discuss priorities for action, considering both the overall success of the project and the action needed to ensure equitable input, opportunity, and outcomes.
Example: The Data Action Team decides to pursue a community dashboard where the public can quickly understand the landscape of unemployment in Kent County. The matrix can help to identify who needs to be involved for the dashboard to be useful—what powerful people/organizations must buy-in, what stakeholders need to be included in the planning and implementation so that the data is accessible, empowering, and clear.
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