A stakeholder is someone or something that has an interest in the success or failure of an organization. Stakeholders can be internal or external to the organization.

• Internal stakeholders are those who are part of the organization, such as employees, managers, and board members. They have a vested interest in the organization’s success because their jobs, salaries, and benefits depend on it.
• External stakeholders are those who are not part of the organization, but who have an interest in its success, such as customers, suppliers, investors, and regulators. They have a vested interest in the organization’s success because it affects their ability to do business with the organization, get paid by the organization, or make a profit from the organization.

The best way to manage and communicate with stakeholders is to identify them, understand their interests, and keep them informed of the organization’s activities. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as meetings, presentations, surveys, and social media.

Here are some specific tips for managing and communicating with stakeholders:

• Identify your stakeholders. Who are the people or groups who have an interest in your organization? This may include customers, employees, suppliers, investors, regulators, and the community.
• Understand your stakeholders’ interests. What do they want from your organization? What are their concerns? What are their priorities?
• Keep your stakeholders informed. Let them know what your organization is doing, and how it affects them. This can be done through regular communication, such as newsletters, emails, and social media posts.
• Be responsive to your stakeholders’ concerns. If they have questions or complaints, address them promptly and respectfully.
• Build relationships with your stakeholders. Get to know them and their needs. This will help you to build trust and cooperation.

By effectively managing and communicating with your stakeholders, you can ensure that they are supportive of your organization and its goals. This can lead to increased success and profitability.

Also, from another source:

Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or organizations that have an interest or are affected by a project, initiative, or organization. They can influence or be influenced by the outcomes and decisions related to the project. Stakeholders can include employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, government agencies, community groups, and more.

Stakeholders can be categorized as either internal or external based on their relationship to the organization or project:

1. Internal stakeholders: These are individuals or groups within the organization who have a direct interest in the project or are part of the organization’s structure. Examples include employees, managers, executives, and board members. Internal stakeholders are directly involved in the project and often have decision-making authority.
2. External stakeholders: These are individuals or groups outside the organization who can affect or be affected by the project. They may have a vested interest in the organization’s activities or be influenced by its outcomes. External stakeholders can include customers, suppliers, investors, government agencies, local communities, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.

Managing and communicating with stakeholders effectively is crucial for project success. Here are some best practices:

1. Identify and prioritize stakeholders: Create a comprehensive list of stakeholders and categorize them based on their importance and influence on the project. This helps in allocating resources and focusing efforts accordingly.
2. Understand stakeholder interests and expectations: Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify their needs, concerns, and expectations. Engage with stakeholders to gather their input and involve them in the decision-making process. This helps in building trust and maintaining positive relationships.
3. Communicate regularly and transparently: Establish open lines of communication with stakeholders. Keep them informed about project progress, milestones, risks, and changes. Use various channels such as meetings, emails, newsletters, and project portals to ensure effective communication.
4. Tailor communication to different stakeholders: Different stakeholders have different levels of knowledge and interest in the project. Customize your communication to suit their needs and preferences. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms when communicating with non-technical stakeholders.
5. Engage stakeholders proactively: Involve stakeholders in the project planning and decision-making processes. Seek their input, address their concerns, and actively listen to their feedback. This fosters a sense of ownership and increases stakeholder buy-in.
6. Resolve conflicts and manage expectations: Stakeholders may have competing interests or conflicting expectations. Identify and address conflicts early on, seeking win-win solutions when possible. Manage stakeholder expectations by setting realistic goals, timelines, and deliverables.
7. Monitor and evaluate stakeholder satisfaction: Regularly assess stakeholder satisfaction and adjust communication and engagement strategies as needed. Solicit feedback through surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gauge stakeholder perceptions and identify areas for improvement.

Remember that effective stakeholder management is an ongoing process throughout the life cycle of a project or organization. It requires active engagement, communication, and adaptation to changing circumstances.