Forensic Stakeholder Research

We undertake both qualitative and quantitative stakeholder research to identify what they really think and the underlying causes for their current, and potential future, actions

‘Snapshots’ identify overall stakeholder attitude at a moment in time, or on a specific issue. These can be benchmarked to track changes year-on-year and frequently provide early warning of issues or opportunities. Typical uses: scoping exercise when planning a new initiative or significant internal or external change; when entering a new area of operation, permissions for new facilities/planning permissions; stakeholder mapping

‘Spotlights’ investigate, often sensitive, issues in more detail. They pose potential ideas and aim to construct solutions to effect change. Typical uses: identify areas for future co-operation; investigate merger or acquisition targets; explore issues that are blocking progress

Quantitative attitudinal research is often based upon quantifying and scoping the insights arising from Snapshots and Spotlights. Typical uses: staff and customer attitudes; cost/benefits of activities

We believe that face-to-face interviews based on an agreed ‘topic list’ provide the strongest and deepest feedback.

Topic lists ensure that the interview covers all of the bases; whilst providing the flexibility to explore other related areas that really matter to the interviewee – and that may prove to be critically important.

Sometimes for geographic or budgetary reasons we also interview by telephone, or even deduce from written and visual sources when these methods are not possible or appropriate.