Final answer:
Stakeholders in the strategic planning process include customers, government agencies, companies, and other interested parties, who provide valuable insights that contribute to the product's design, compliance, and overall success. Engaging stakeholders ensures diverse perspectives, early issue identification, and increased project buy-in.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the strategic planning process, stakeholders who should be included are those who have an interest or stake in the product or service being developed. This typically includes customers, who use and pay for the product, as well as other parties such as government agencies, companies, and individuals. For instance, in the context of a new automobile design, relevant stakeholders might involve the individuals purchasing the vehicles, mechanics maintaining and repairing them, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring emissions, and oil companies providing fuel.
It is essential to include these stakeholders in the strategic planning process because they can offer diverse perspectives and have varying levels of influence over the project's success. Their insights can improve product design, help identify potential issues early on, and ensure regulatory compliance. Moreover, engaging stakeholders fosters better communication, encourages buy-in, and can enhance the reputation of the project. The level of decision-making authority stakeholders have can range from consultative roles to direct decision-making involvement, depending on their interest and influence.