What’s the difference between community and stakeholder engagement? There is no simple answer, as the definitions used by industries and professionals are similar and so many terms are used that mean different things to everyone.
Many of our clients have separate guidelines for community and stakeholder engagement, indicating that the two practices are viewed entirely differently.
The International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) guidelines refer to communities of interest and engagement is around specific projects or initiatives. Conversely, the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) focuses more on building ongoing relationships with influential stakeholders like MPs, Government departments and key regulators. Some practitioners (like myself), are members of both organisations.
What sets them apart?
This is how I see the key differences:
Want to know how to effectively manage stakeholders across these two practices in Consultation Manager? Stay tuned…
Need stakeholder engagement support?
Some of our existing and prospective clients are introducing strategic stakeholder engagement programs for the first time. If you are in this situation and don’t know where to start or how to manage your stakeholder information efficiently, feel free to email me on john@consultationmanager.com.
RELATED READING
DIY or Buy? How to Choose a Stakeholder Management System
John Steyntjes: How Proactive Stakeholder Engagement Helped Reduce Ministerials by 90%
Innovation and efficiency: Managing your database with Stakeholder Self Manager
10 Reasons why a Stakeholder Management System is Your Next Competitive Advantage