Our approach to developing a pragmatic and effective Stakeholder Relationship Framework is based on our extensive experience as Corporate Affairs leaders, using stakeholder sentiment and issues data to inform strategic decisions.  Research we conducted amongst senior Corporate Affairs Directors on how data is currently used to track multi-stakeholder issues and prevailing sentiment, indicates a typically suboptimal approach.

Companies often struggle to organise and make sense of stakeholder data to improve the corporate decision-making process.  The need for relevant stakeholder data and insights appears to be growing, with increasing emphasis placed on the source of data and its efficacy. Needs vary, inevitably, but the overall impression is that no single data solution can provide all the answers.

Human intelligence and interpretation are still a highly valued and required overlay – to draw out nuances and to develop activity that is in step with wider corporate purpose.

Our Framework involves four progressive phases, each adapted to the prevailing situation.

An audit of prevailing stakeholder views to establish if there is a sentiment deficit is followed by a review of the data mapping tools or providers being utilized.  The search taxonomy is then refined to ensure the insights can assist corporate decision making, with detailed recommendations to optimize how the various needs of stakeholders might be more effectively met.