CDE Stakeholder Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A diversity executive plots stakeholders on a power/interest grid. A senior VP has high power but low interest in the DEI strategy. What is the recommended approach?
- Monitor with minimal effort
- Keep satisfied with concise, outcome-focused updates (Correct answer)
- Keep informed through detailed newsletters
- Manage closely with weekly briefings
Correct answer: Keep satisfied with concise, outcome-focused updates
High-power, low-interest stakeholders should be kept satisfied so they do not become blockers while their limited attention is respected.
Question 2: Which stakeholder group is typically MOST critical to secure first when launching an enterprise-wide diversity strategy?
- Local media outlets
- Employee resource group members
- External vendors
- The CEO and executive leadership team (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The CEO and executive leadership team
Executive sponsorship signals priority, unlocks resources, and drives accountability across the organization.
Question 3: A frontline manager publicly questions why the company is investing in inclusion training. What is the most effective first response from a diversity leader?
- Ignore the comment to avoid drawing attention
- Require the manager to attend additional training
- Engage privately to understand the concern and connect DEI to the manager's business goals (Correct answer)
- Escalate the comment to HR as a policy violation
Correct answer: Engage privately to understand the concern and connect DEI to the manager's business goals
Understanding resistance and linking DEI to the stakeholder's own priorities converts skeptics more effectively than punitive measures.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a stakeholder analysis in a DEI initiative?
- To determine the legal risk of the initiative
- To identify who is affected, their influence, and their likely stance so engagement can be tailored (Correct answer)
- To identify employees for disciplinary action
- To rank employees by demographic group
Correct answer: To identify who is affected, their influence, and their likely stance so engagement can be tailored
Stakeholder analysis maps interests, influence, and attitudes to guide targeted engagement strategies.
Question 5: In a RACI matrix for a diversity program, what does the 'C' represent?
- Consulted (Correct answer)
- Committed
- Certified
- Controlled
Correct answer: Consulted
RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
Question 6: Which approach best builds credibility with a CFO who is skeptical of DEI investments?
- Presenting data linking DEI initiatives to retention costs, productivity, and market reach (Correct answer)
- Comparing the company unfavorably to competitors in a public forum
- Citing the moral imperative alone
- Sharing inspirational employee stories only
Correct answer: Presenting data linking DEI initiatives to retention costs, productivity, and market reach
Financial leaders respond best to business-case metrics expressed in terms they use to evaluate investments.
Question 7: Employee resource groups (ERGs) are best positioned as which type of stakeholder in a DEI strategy?
- Compliance enforcement bodies
- Strategic partners who provide insight, talent pipeline support, and market input (Correct answer)
- Purely social clubs with no strategic role
- Replacements for the diversity office
Correct answer: Strategic partners who provide insight, talent pipeline support, and market input
Mature ERGs act as business resource groups that advise on policy, recruitment, and customer markets.
