Power Mapping Matrix

Stakeholder Power Mapping Matrix

Case Study: Internal LGBTQI+ Support

The Power Mapping Matrix is a practical tool for understanding the political dynamics within an organisation. By plotting stakeholders according to their power and their interest in the issue, campaign strategists can allocate resources effectively and avoid wasting energy on unwinnable battles.

Dormant Supporters

Power-Interest Quadrant: High Power, Low Interest

Engagement Strategy: Subtly engage on LGBTQI+ policies that align with broader party values. Bring allies from women’s and youth units to underline the universality of the issue.

Goal: Engage them through personal journeys — coming out stories, experiences of being queer in the party, the challenges faced. Demonstrate how this can be a vote winner, not a liability.

Grassroots Supporters

Power-Interest Quadrant: Low Power, High Interest

Engagement Strategy: Involve them in advocacy, training, and events. Use them to reach out to peers and amplify campaigns. Make them visible champions through personalised storytelling.

Goal: Build a grassroots movement to pressure decision-makers from the ground up.

Latent Opponents

Power-Interest Quadrant: Medium Power, Low Interest

Engagement Strategy: Reassure them that LGBTQI+ policies will not disrupt core priorities. Avoid confrontation. Find common ground — for example, framing rights within broader human rights.

Goal: Neutralise their opposition. Ensure they do not actively undermine the campaign. Aim for them to at least not oppose, and consider support as a secondary outcome.

Key Opponents

Power-Interest Quadrant: High Power, High Interest

Engagement Strategy: Do not waste excessive time or resources here — it is time that cannot be afforded. Where opponents are prominent (such as a Party President), match their power with an ally of equal standing.

Goal: Minimise their influence and opposition by strategically engaging powerful allies to counterbalance.

Allies

Power-Interest Quadrant: High Power, High Interest

Engagement Strategy: Engage directly through dialogue. Provide talking points and evidence. Showcase success stories within the party.

Goal: Mobilise them to support actively — to add their voice and words to LGBTQI+ campaigns and ultimately influence others.