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