What does the term "stakeholder" refer to in a workflow context?

In a workflow context, "stakeholder" refers to an individual or group that has a vested interest in the outcome of a project or process. This definition encompasses a broad range of entities, including team members, management, clients, investors, and even suppliers, all of whom can influence or be affected by the project's success or failure.

Understanding stakeholders is crucial for effective workflow management because they can provide valuable insights, resources, and support and may also need to be managed to align their interests with the project's goals. Engaging stakeholders can help ensure that their needs are considered, facilitating smoother workflows and enhancing the likelihood of project success.

While members of the finance team, project managers, and suppliers may also be stakeholders in certain situations, the term itself is not limited to these specific roles. Stakeholders can vary widely depending on the context and objectives of the project. Recognizing this allows workflow specialists to tailor their approach to include all relevant parties in the planning and execution phases.