Stakeholder and Power Analysis for the UNC

The University has been grappling with the toppling of Silent Sam’s monument and is confused on its symbolism on struggles for race, inclusion, history, and honor in the Southern USA. Having been toppled by protesters, UNC is not sure as to whether they should reinstate the monument or just leave maintain the status quo. To make a decision, UNC needs to conduct a stakeholder and power analysis and gather facts concerning significance of this monument. This memo presents an objective stakeholder and power analysis to this effect. 

Importance of Stakeholder Analysis 

In this case, a stakeholder analysis is important to determine the key players in the making of this policy and the role played by each. By conducting this analysis, UNC will identify all the parties who will be affected by the decision they make eventually. In addition, it will help in identifying and document the needs of the stakeholders to ensure that they are included in the deliberations preceding formulation of the policy. A stakeholder analysis will also inform the policymakers in the case as to the interests and influence of each stakeholder. In other words, a stakeholder analysis is crucial as it will assess and analyze the interests of the parties and determine the part they play in the nature of the final decision. Undeniably, the demolition and toppling of Silent Sam raised attracted a lot of attention from the public and has been politicized heavily. It follows, therefore, that all the stakeholders have vested interests in the policy that the University will make. Conducting a stakeholder analysis, therefore, will help in recognizing and managing the interests of all vested parties. 

Further, conducting the stakeholder analysis may help in identifying and mitigating problems that might as a result of the policy that UNC will adopt concerning the state of Silent Sam. Being a matter of political interest, unpredictable issues may arise before, during, and after implementation of the policy. It is wise, therefore, to identify and mitigate such matters before-hand. A stakeholder analysis is also important as it will mark the key people tasked with information distribution and communication. 

Main Stakeholders 

The University 

Silent Sam , the statue in question, holds is historically and sentimentally significant to the University of North Carolina. On the one hand, it reminds people in North Carolina of the significance of the land in which the university was erected. Specifically, it reminds them of the Civil War and the impact it had on the Southerners. As such, the University and its students have a vested interest in the policy that will be formulated. It is also worth noting that the monument meant different things to different people at the University. For example, some people sees it as a reminder of the racial struggle that has ensued in the United States while other perceive it as a reminder of the struggle that their ancestors underwent to ensure that inclusion policies were implemented in the United States. Therefore, any decision made by the policymakers will have significant impact on the University. On the other hand, the monument of Silent Sam has been in the University of North Carolina for over a century now. As such, it has become part of its identity and recognition. Of course, removing it from the Universities face stirred some emotions even from the people who did not have any other interest in it. Therefore, the UNC must be included in as a key stakeholder in the policymaking process. 

Protestors and the Public 

The public and protestors who toppled the monument are also key stakeholders in this case. Their reason for demolishing the monument must be considered before the University decides to reinstate, relocate, or abolish the monument completely. However, the policymakers must also determine the interests of the members of public who were against the demolition. The protestors, undeniably, have the power to influence the decision that will be made. Re-erecting the monument again without reaching a consensus with the protestors will put it in further jeopardy as they are likely to demolish it again. Similarly, failing to re-erect the monument may elicit negative reactions from members of the public who did not want it removed. 

Civil Rights Groups 

Notably, the monument in question is symbolic for the notions of race, inclusion, history, and the honor of Southern USA. Undeniably, the will attract Civil Rights Groups interested in the inclusion and the honor of Southern USA. While making the decision, the policymakers in this situation must include the opinion and appreciate the influence that these groups may have in the final outcome. For example, civil rights groups that support the honor of the Southern USA may argue that the monument was a reminder of the historical injustices that past dwellers of this region endured. By removing the monument, therefore, the policymakers will be indicating their ignorance and disregard to the history and traditions of the South. Including these groups as key stakeholders will see them make contributions as to their preference. As such, the final decision will include their contribution; a condition that will enhance partnership and satisfy everybody. 

Conclusion 

Making a decision as to whether the monument of Silent Sam will be reinstated requires contributions from various stakeholders as the memo has indicated. It is, therefore, necessary for the University’s management to consult with these stakeholders before making a final decision. Failure to do so will result in further crisis and may escalate the situation into a crisis. 

Stakeholder Table