1

Stakeholder Analysis: Matrix Mapping

University Canada West

BUSI 601: Ethics, CSR and Business Analysis – Section 32

 2

Introduction

Walmart, Canada, is one of the largest employers and leading companies of superstores in

Canada. It aims to help customers save money by offering lower prices for every selling item;

they work with more than 2,100 Canadian suppliers, create job opportunities for people from

different backgrounds, and contribute convenience to communities across Canada. Customers,

employees and shareholders, suppliers, and communities are all the key stakeholders it must

serve, manage, and interact with them every day. It is necessary to prioritize the importance of

stakeholders to the organization when planning business strategies. Analyzing the level of

stakeholders' power or influence and their interests can help the organization position its priority.

Stakeholder Analysis: Power/Interest Matrix

High Keep Satisfied Key Player

Who: Customers Who: Suppliers and Business Partners

Needs: a wide variety of grocery and
household products
Concerns: Price, quality and quantity, a wide
range of selling items, and convenience.
Communication Style: Direct contact,
Level of Power / Influence
Needs: continuous bulk orders and timely
payments.
Concerns: product prices, product display
areas, ordering and shipping process, return
conditions and arrangements.

advertisement, emails, text messages, regular Communication Style: Direct contact,

flyers. formal and informal correspondences, and
meetings.

Low
 3

Minimal Effort Keep Informed

Who: Community and Government Who: Employees and Shareholders

Needs: good facilities for the community and
surrounding people
Concerns: Safety and clean environment,
diversity and inclusion, rules and regulations
compliance.
Communication Style: formal meetings,
correspondences, emails, and documentation.
Needs: regular wages for employees and
earnings for shareholders
Concerns: employment package and benefits,
working conditions and environment,
business management and strategies, and also
company culture.
Communication Style: formal and informal
meetings and conferences, correspondences,
emails, and reports.

Low High

Level of Interest

Customers are critical stakeholders in a company's success because they have the power

to influence the company's operations. Business strategies should be based on the customer’s

preferences and needs.

Shareholders have a high level of interest in the company, and thus they will be

concerned with the business operations, management and strategies leading to profits for the

company. They usually make critical decisions for the company.

Employees are the key stakeholders in the company. They give efforts and support to

help the company achieve its goals. As employees need compensation and job satisfaction in

return, they also have a high level of interest in the company.

Suppliers and business partners are the key stakeholders in the company. They have a

high level of power to influence the company’s operations and interests. Business partners

closely work with the company, e.g., in-house bakery; they share profits from selling products.
 4

Suppliers are the company's core resources; therefore, a good relationship with suppliers can

help the company reduce inventory costs.

Community and government authorities are also stakeholders of the company. Although

their level of power and interest in the company is low, they can influence its operations

through laws and negative public sentiment. The company should undertake environmental

responsibilities to the community and society and maintain a positive image in front of the

public.

Conclusion
Stakeholders are people or groups with power and influence in the operations and an

interest in companies. Identifying stakeholders, prioritizing their importance, and

understanding their needs are critical to the success and sustainability of companies.