What is a Stakeholder — and What's the Difference Between Category and Group?

Understanding stakeholder definitions and the distinction between categories and groups.

Last updated: April 1, 2025

Understanding Stakeholders

Basic Concepts

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What is a stakeholder?

A stakeholder is any individual, group, or organisation that is affected by your project, has influence over it, or contributes to its outcomes.

Categories vs. Stakeholder Groups

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What is a category, and how is it different from a stakeholder group

A category is a broad type (e.g. Government, Communities, Partners). These are predefined in the platform. A stakeholder group is more specific — for example, "District Education Office" or "Youth Council" — and you’re expected to enter the name of the group directly in the provided text box.

Handling Classification Challenges

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Cross-cutting stakeholders

What if a stakeholder doesn't fit neatly into one category? Choose the category that fits best, and use the description field to explain any crossover. Some stakeholder groups may span multiple categories — and that's okay.

Understanding Module Questions

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What do each of the questions in this module mean?

Each task includes tooltips and examples to guide your responses. If you're unsure, hover over the info icon, open the sidebar guidance, or reach out to your Account Manager using the support request form.

The Importance of Descriptions

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Why do I need to provide a description if I’ve already selected an option?

Descriptions add context. They help explain why and how a stakeholder is connected — which supports richer reporting, learning, and engagement strategies.

Dealing with Incomplete Information

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What if I don't know all the information — can I leave it blank?

Yes — complete what you can. Some fields are required, but others can be returned to later. You may wish to consult with colleagues or submit a support request to your Account Manager before finalising.

When Options Don't Fit

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What do I do if none of the response options apply?

Select "Other" and use the free text field to explain. Your input helps us refine and improve the tool over time.

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