Concepts
It informs stakeholders – those who are affected by or can affect the program – about the program’s intentions and direction, aligns them towards the program’s objectives, and addresses their concerns and expectations. As it is directly related to the Certification Exam of Program Management Professional (PgMP), it is imperative to understand how to define a program mission statement after considering various stakeholders’ concerns and expectations.
I – Understanding Stakeholders’ Concerns and Expectations
Stakeholders could include individuals or groups like clients, employees, suppliers, community members, governments, or investors, etc. Each stakeholder has a different perspective and a unique set of concerns and expectations associated with the program. For instance, an investor may be focused on the program’s financial feasibility while an employee might be interested in job security and career growth. It’s crucial to thoroughly identify these varying expectations and address them in the program mission statement.
II – Stakeholder Analysis & Communication
Stakeholders’ analysis is an essential tool in understanding and categorizing stakeholders, based on their influence and the level of impact they have on a program. This analysis aids in the strategic development of a communication plan for different stakeholders, aligning them with the program goals and engaging them effectively.
For example, a simple stakeholder analysis can be represented in the following 2×2 matrix which helps in prioritizing stakeholders:
| Stakeholder | Influence | Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Investor | High | High |
| Government | High | Low |
| Community | Low | High |
| Supplier | Low | Low |
High-influence, high-interest stakeholders like investors might need more detailed, frequent reports about the program’s progress and financial status, while low-influence, low-interest stakeholders like suppliers may be satisfied with less frequent updates.
III – Defining Program Mission Statement
With a clear understanding of stakeholders’ concerns and expectations, the program manager can create a program mission statement that addresses these. An effective mission statement presents a clear purpose of the program, its values, methods, and audience.
For instance, if a technology company is launching a program to develop a new software product, its mission statement could be:
“To deliver high-quality, user-friendly, and affordable software solutions that improve productivity for our customers, offering exceptional return on investment to our stakeholders, and providing rewarding careers and professional growth opportunities for our employees.”
This statement addresses the concerns of customers (high-quality, affordable solutions), stakeholders (return on investment), and employees (career and professional growth).
IV – Revising and Updating Program Mission Statement
The mission statement is not static and should be updated as per changes in the program’s direction, stakeholders’ needs, and external factors. The program manager should consistently communicate with stakeholders, seek their feedback, and make requisite adjustments in the mission statement to maintain its relevancy and effectiveness.
To sum up, an effectively defined program mission statement, derived from a comprehensive analysis of stakeholders’ concerns and expectations, sets the right direction for the program. It ensures stakeholder alignment and engagement and serves as a guiding force for everyone associated with the program. This understanding of stakeholders management in drafting mission statement plays a crucial role in the certification of PgMP, pool of professionals entrusted with managing successful programs.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: A program mission statement is established without considering the stakeholders’ concerns and expectations.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The program mission statement should fundamentally consider and incorporate the stakeholders’ expectations and concerns to ensure the program’s direction aligns with their needs and interests.
The program mission statement should align with:
- a) Program direction and strategy
- b) Stakeholders’ concerns and expectations
- c) Organizational strategy
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The program mission statement should align with the program direction and strategy, stakeholders’ expectations and concerns, and organizational strategy, providing a comprehensive reflection of the overall program’s objectives.
True or False: Stakeholders have no role in defining the program mission statement.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Stakeholders play a crucial role in defining the program mission statement. Their expectations and concerns provide valuable insights in setting the overall direction of the program.
During the creation of a program mission statement, the stakeholders’:
- a) Concerns and expectations are ignored
- b) Technical skills are evaluated
- c) Concerns and expectations are prioritized
- d) Personal interests are prioritized
Answer: c) Concerns and expectations are prioritized
Explanation: In program management, it’s essential to prioritize the stakeholders’ concerns and expectations when creating a program mission statement for the efficient and effective management of the program.
True or False: Evaluating stakeholders’ concerns and expectations helps to mitigate risks in the program.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Evaluating stakeholders’ expectations and concerns offers insights that can identify possible risks and obstacles, helping to prevent or minimize potential project issues.
A program mission statement should be:
- a) Flexible and subject to frequent change
- b) Fixed and unchangeable
- c) Determined solely by the program manager
- d) Clear, concise and aligning with stakeholders’ expectations
Answer: d) Clear, concise, and aligning with stakeholders’ expectations
Explanation: A program mission statement should be clear, concise, and capable of aligning stakeholders’ expectations with the overall program direction.
True or False: The program mission statement and the organizational strategy should often conflict to create a diverse approach.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A conflict between the program mission statement and the organizational strategy can lead to inconsistencies and potential failures. They should align to foster synergy and accomplish shared objectives.
Stakeholders’ concerns and expectations can be evaluated through:
- a) Horoscope prediction
- b) Stakeholder analysis
- c) Guesswork
- d) Personal bias and prejudice
Answer: b) Stakeholder analysis
Explanation: Stakeholder analysis is a systematic way to identify stakeholders, along with their needs, interests, and influence, ultimately evaluating their concerns and expectations.
True or False: The program mission statement should solely reflect the program manager’s vision.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While the program manager’s vision is important, the program mission statement should also incorporate stakeholders’ expectations and the organizational strategy to ensure a comprehensive and balanced approach.
The purpose of aligning the program mission statement with stakeholders’ concerns and expectations is to:
- a) Please the stakeholders only
- b) Establish a clear program direction
- c) Prioritise the program manager’s vision
- d) Ignore the organizational strategy
Answer: b) Establish a clear program direction
Explanation: By aligning the program mission statement with stakeholders’ expectations and concerns, a clear and feasible direction for the program can be established.
Great blog post! Very insightful on how to establish program direction by evaluating stakeholders’ concerns and expectations.
I think a comprehensive stakeholder analysis is crucial for defining a strong mission statement. Does anyone have any practical tools for this?
Thanks for this post! I’m preparing for my PgMP exam and found this very helpful.
How do you balance the conflicting expectations of different stakeholders while establishing the program direction?
Appreciate the insights shared here. Very useful for my next program management meeting.
Don’t just listen to stakeholders but actively engage them throughout the program lifecycle. This ensures you’re always aligned with their concerns and expectations.
Very comprehensive post! Thanks for sharing.
One of the challenges I face is in identifying who the real stakeholders are. Any tips?