Method – Actor-linkage matrix
Description
In actor-linkage matrices, stakeholders are tabulated in a two-dimensional matrix and their relationships described using codes. It is a relatively easy method, but its weakness is that it can become confusing and difficult to use if many linkages are described1)Reed, M.S., Graves, A., Dandy, N., Posthumus, H., Hubacek, K., Morris, J., Prell, C., Quinn, C.H. and Stringer, L.C. (2009) Who’s in and why? A typology of stakeholder analysis methods for natural resource management, Journal of Environmental Management 90, 1933-1949 3)Reed, M.S., Graves, A., Dandy, N., Posthumus, H., Hubacek, K., Morris, J., Prell, C., Quinn, C.H. and Stringer, L.C. (2009) Who’s in and why? A typology of stakeholder analysis methods for natural resource management, Journal of Environmental Management 90, 1933-19492)Hermans LM, 2005, Actor Analysis for Water Resources Management, putting the promise into practice, ISBN 90-5972-091-1, Eburon, 2005 Such exercise can be done within a focus group setting, or individually by stakeholders during interviews, or by a skilled researcher/practitioner.
Strengths
- it is a relatively easy method
- possible to prioritise stakeholders for inclusion
- little time and budget needed
Weaknesses
- it can become confusing and difficult to use if many linkages are described
- prioritisation may marginalise certain groups since it assumes stakeholder categories based on their relationships
- this method does not give in-depth information about stakeholders roles, their perspectives, the problems, issues and challenges
Use in decision framework
Stakeholder analysis |
Input
- To be able to position stakeholders on the matrix the stakeholders involved have to be identified.
Outline
- Use earlier identified stakeholders
- Two-dimenstional matrix
- Coding stakeholders based on stakeholders relationships
- Exercise can be done within a focus group setting, or individually by stakeholders during interviews, or by a skilled researcher/practitioner
Output
A method to collect information on stakeholders relationship by positioning stakeholders in a two-dimensional matrix.
Experiences
An example can be found at: http://www.fao.org/nr/res/Course1/file/mod6/mod6_09.html
Footnotes
1. | ↑ | Reed, M.S., Graves, A., Dandy, N., Posthumus, H., Hubacek, K., Morris, J., Prell, C., Quinn, C.H. and Stringer, L.C. (2009) Who’s in and why? A typology of stakeholder analysis methods for natural resource management, Journal of Environmental Management 90, 1933-1949 |
2. | ↑ | Hermans LM, 2005, Actor Analysis for Water Resources Management, putting the promise into practice, ISBN 90-5972-091-1, Eburon, 2005 |
3. | ↑ | Reed, M.S., Graves, A., Dandy, N., Posthumus, H., Hubacek, K., Morris, J., Prell, C., Quinn, C.H. and Stringer, L.C. (2009) Who’s in and why? A typology of stakeholder analysis methods for natural resource management, Journal of Environmental Management 90, 1933-1949 |