Stakeholder analysis.

Stakeholder analysis identifies people and groups affected by a decision, their interests, the harms and benefits involved, and the obligations owed to them.

Put it into practice.

A product-quality decision can affect customers, employees, suppliers, owners, regulators, and a local community. Compare alternatives using safety, honesty, fairness, and accountability.

A common mistake

Listing stakeholders is only a start. Explain the actual impact on each group and why your proposed safeguards address the conflict.

Original independent study explanation. Revised October 2026. Practice assumptions are illustrative.