Stakeholder Relationship Dynamics in Megaprojects: A Conceptual Framework Based on Project Management Focus Areas

Megaprojects unfold through non-linear trajectories shaped by evolv-ing stakeholder relationships. Although research recognises the temporal variabil-ity of stakeholder behaviours, analyses often rely on organisation-specific project life cycles, limiting conceptual comparability. This paper introduces a conceptual framework explaining how stakeholder relationship configurations change across the Project Management Focus Areas—Initiating, Planning, Executing, Moni-toring & Controlling, and Closing. Drawing on project stakeholder management research and relational and network perspectives, the framework shows how stake-holder motivations, expectations and influence strategies evolve as megaprojects unfold. This temporally explicit and theoretically integrated perspective advances understanding of stakeholder dynamics and offers a foundation for improved stake-holder engagement strategies in megaprojects. Implications and future research avenues are discussed.