Modelling stakeholder resilience in relationship management 1 in a changing environment of megaprojects

Given the importance of sustaining collaborative stakeholder relationships from the conflicts in a changing environment of megaprojects, this research develops a model to systematically analyse stakeholder resilience in relationship management from measurement, analysis and management perspectives. Through the NK model, dynamic stakeholder interactions can be accurately illustrated, and the network model provides a useful way to evaluate complex stakeholder structures. Then, stakeholder resilience is analysed in two dimensions, namely, stakeholder issue vulnerabilities and stakeholder capabilities, and the evolutions of these dimensions are considered. Afterwards, a stakeholder resilience map (including four resilient zones: dangerous, challenging, vigilant, and safe) is developed and validated using the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge project. The critical stakeholder issue vulnerabilities and stakeholder capability limitations in relationship management at each project phase of megaprojects are also identified. This study provides an evidence-based practical approach to evaluate stakeholder resilience in relationship management in megaprojects. It extends resilience theory in project management at organizational levels whilst effectively bridging stakeholder and relationship management concepts.