Matrix · Governance & Dispute Resolution
Stakeholders and crisis messages
The crisis stakeholder matrix prepares crisis communication ahead of time. In a crisis, the organisation indeed lacks the time to identify whom to inform, in what order and through which channel. Inconsistencies between messages then aggravate the situation. The matrix therefore rates each stakeholder according to its exposure and its influence.
Steps in the crisis stakeholder matrix
- Reference scenario.
- Inventory of stakeholders, then one sheet per stakeholder.
- Rating of exposure and influence.
- Mapping: in particular reading by quadrants.
- Expectations and messages.
- Channels and persons responsible: in particular order of information.
- Finally, spreadsheet version, updating and exercise.
When to map stakeholders for crisis communication
The matrix serves first when a crisis plan is prepared. It also serves before a simulation exercise. Furthermore, it is updated after each crisis or organisational change.
Executive management and communication departments are in particular its intended readers. The document also concerns crisis units and risk managers.
Instructions for use
The crisis stakeholder matrix is first completed for a specific crisis scenario. Each stakeholder then receives two ratings, from 1 to 5: exposure and influence. Furthermore, reading by quadrants sets the order of information. Finally, the matrix is tested during an exercise, then updated after each crisis or organisational change.
Expected outcome
At the end of the work, each stakeholder has a sheet, a rating, a message and a person responsible. The order of information is set. Consequently, crisis communication follows a plan prepared ahead of time, consistent from one audience to another.
Key facts
| Format | PDF, 5 pages |
|---|---|
| Languages | French, English, Spanish, Arabic |
| Version | October 2026 |
| Access | download after registration |
| Scope | matrix applicable to any crisis scenario selected |
Limitations
The matrix does not draft the final messages. In addition, it is completed for each scenario selected.
Further reading: business crisis management.
- Prepared by ASKonsult
- Languages: French, English, Spanish, Arabic
- Version: octobre 2026
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General information document; it constitutes neither legal advice nor an opinion on a particular situation. References to legal texts should be checked against the version in force on the date of use.
Consulting firm not registered with the Bar; no representation before the courts and no act reserved to the regulated legal professions.