Towards A Framework For Categorisation Of Project Stakeholders

Purpose of research The purpose of this research is to develop a framework for categorisation of project stakeholders that contains meaningful, practically relevant categories that will support project management researchers and practitioners. Project stakeholders are the main reason for complexity in projects and further research into this area is necessary given the stubbornly high project failure rates. Proposed Methodology The proposed methodological framework is based on an interpretivist philosophy using grounded theory-building within a systems thinking framework. Expected findings This research will lead to the development of a framework that allows the categorisation of internal/external project stakeholders in relation to stakeholders to be informed and to be consulted. Contribution to knowledge/originality Furthering the project management body of knowledge and practice through building theoretical and practical understanding of project stakeholders. Research limitations The stakeholders’ categorisation exercise may lead to oversimplification of findings since projects are multifaceted social environments.