What does stakeholder engagement help to achieve in a project?

Stakeholder engagement is crucial in project management as it fosters collaboration and informed decision-making among all parties involved. By actively involving stakeholders, project managers can gather diverse perspectives, insights, and expertise, which enriches the decision-making process. This collaborative approach ensures that all relevant voices are heard, leading to more comprehensive plans, strategies, and outcomes that reflect the needs and expectations of stakeholders.

Engaging stakeholders effectively also helps to build trust, aligns the project's objectives with stakeholder needs, and promotes a shared understanding of the project goals. This reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts, paving the way for smoother project execution and greater stakeholder satisfaction.

In contrast, limiting stakeholder input, creating barriers, or ensuring unquestioned support would not only hinder the collaboration necessary for a successful project but also could lead to a lack of essential feedback, reduced ownership, and potential resistance, which ultimately jeopardizes the project's success.