In a stakeholder influence map, which two dimensions are most commonly represented?

• A. Influence and interest
• B. Cost and schedule
• C. Security and compliance
• D. Expertise and availability

Answer: (A)

Stakeholder influence maps are built around two axes: influence (power to affect the project) and interest (level of stake or concern in the project’s outcomes). Placing stakeholders on this grid helps you see who must be engaged closely versus who can be kept satisfied or informed with lighter touch. High influence and high interest stakeholders require ongoing, strategic engagement; those with high influence but low interest should be managed to stay satisfied; those with low influence but high interest should be kept informed; and low influence with low interest may need minimal effort. This focus on power and concern makes sense because it directly informs how to allocate communication and engagement resources, unlike options that mix in cost, schedule, security, or expertise, which relate to other aspects of project planning.