A double analysis of stakeholder interaction in public infrastructure management

Purpose This work is part of a research project that seeks to gain insight into the applicability of different actor analysis methods. This paper aims to describe the analysis of the predictive value of two different actor analysis methods applied to the redesign of the water management of a Dutch polder. Design/methodology/approach The paper's approach is a parallel application and comparison of the results of two separate actor analysis methods: conflict analysis and transactional analysis. Findings Transactional analysis was more accurate regarding the prediction of the real world outcomes than conflict analysis. Research limitations/implications The choice of analysis method may be of significant influence on the quality of understanding of the risks involved with different stakeholders. There may not be a single silver bullet. Practical implications An asset manager needs to apply multiple actor analysis techniques to fully grasp the impact of the threats posed by the stakeholders on the asset and its risk register. Originality/value The parallel application of the two methods and comparison of their predictive value is new.