In project management, who is considered a stakeholder?

In project management, a stakeholder is defined as any individual or group that has an interest in or is affected by the outcome of a project. This broad definition encompasses a variety of roles and responsibilities, including project team members, clients, sponsors, end-users, and even people or organizations outside of the project that might affect or be affected by its success or failure.

This comprehensive view allows project managers to understand the expectations, needs, and potential contributions of different stakeholders, which is crucial for effective communication and engagement throughout the project lifecycle. By identifying and considering all stakeholders, project managers can align project goals with broader organizational objectives and foster collaboration, ultimately leading to a higher likelihood of project success.

The other examples accepted as stakeholders are too narrow in scope or fail to capture the full range of potential stakeholders involved in a project. Therefore, recognizing the broader spectrum points to a fundamental aspect of effective project management.