Recommendations to Improve the Relationship with Stakeholders
From experience in the different projects, we can mention the following points to be considered in order to have an open dialogue and cooperation with stakeholders:
Strategy
1. Communication strategy with a long-term vision
2. Initiate the dialogue as soon as possible
3. Do not initiate communication before a problem occurs
4. Use smart goals in the communication strategy, which are specific, measurable, achievable, results-oriented and timely
5. Communicate within the company, and inform subcontractors of the communication strategy
6. Keep control over communication and involvement with the community subcontractors and manage risk
7. Remain consistent in communication and in the message provided to avoid confusion, frustration, or anxiety
8. Manage communication with stakeholders as one more function of the company, with clear objectives, and allocated resources and budget
9. Perform quality control of the relationship with the various stakeholders. It should be noted that this can change qualitatively over the project
Message
10. Share relevant information with useful and meaningful content
11. Avoid bombarding the Stakeholders with too much information, consultations, meetings and surveys
12. Establish a dialogue and consultation that is consistent with the established decision-making process of each social group. For example, for indigenous groups
13. Give the message in a comprehensible, easily accessible manner, using appropriate channels of communication. Interact with stakeholders in their native language and in their respective community, to ensure understanding.
14. Explain how company representatives can be contacted and how to do so
15. Respect the legal context and best practices in relation to human rights. E.g. : United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
16. Be transparent and clear about the information provided
17. Explain the uncertainties that the company is dealing with and explain the different possible scenarios and their consequences
Interaction
19. Ensure participation of stakeholders interested in monitoring projects. Hold community consultations where they can express their views on issues that concern them.
20. Get feedback from stakeholders. Ensure that communication is two-way.
21. Take into account the comments and feedback received from the stakeholders
22. Inform stakeholders who have been consulted on what happened, why the various decisions have been made in relation to their comments and feedback with and report on the next steps
Transparecy and Accountability
Benefits
The benefit of having a good relationship with stakeholders is to lay the groundwork for the creation of a cooperation network, the development of trust in stakeholders, the creation of an atmosphere of safety and support. It allows the company to be proactive and anticipate managing expectations of stakeholders and potential problems. It creates the conditions in both directions to address sensitive issues, to reduce or eliminate frustrations and to create a trusting relationship that allows stakeholders to have confidence in the company message.
Companies must maintain good communication from the start of the project with prefeasibility studies, just as during project planning, government approval (ex. EIA), construction and operation, including decommissioning and closure. Therefore, a long term vision and including the relationships with the various stakeholders in the project cycle is a key factor.
Disclosing information in a transparent manner is a good practice. It can be done by keeping a register of your Stakeholders and a communication management system, both formal and informal, as well as complaints, claims and commitments. The system should allow you to generate reports while giving timely follow-up to each activity. For more information, view our Stakeholder Engagement module.
See also: Stakeholders : How to Improve Interaction (Part 1)