Stakeholder Topology
How power, risk, and influence move inside the system
System Lens: Adoption Logic
Scope: Decision System
This is not a persona exercise.
In the Adoption Logic universe, a stakeholder is defined by their relationship to the decision — not their relationship to the founder.
Stakeholders are roles the system relies on to evaluate risk, enforce constraints, approve movement, or absorb the consequences of a decision.
They may never attend a demo. They may never respond to outreach. But they shape adoption nonetheless.
In the Adoption Logic universe, a stakeholder is defined by their relationship to the decision — not their relationship to the founder.
Stakeholders are roles the system relies on to evaluate risk, enforce constraints, approve movement, or absorb the consequences of a decision.
They may never attend a demo. They may never respond to outreach. But they shape adoption nonetheless.
Decision control
Authority & Risk
Roles that release, block, or carry consequence.
Decision Authority
Releases or blocks the decision.
Often accountable for outcomes, even when not operationally involved.
Risk Carrier
Absorbs downside if the decision fails — financial, clinical, reputational, or legal.
Constraint enforcement
Rules & Feasibility
Roles that determine what is allowed or survivable.
Policy / Compliance Guardian
Enforces formal rules, regulation, and precedent.
Rarely decides yes — but often determines what is permissible.
Operational Gatekeeper
Bears the burden of implementation.
Can slow or derail adoption through feasibility constraints.
Meaning & influence
Interpretation Paths
Roles that shape how decisions are understood.
Translator / Integrator
Connects domains (clinical ↔ ops ↔ finance ↔ IT).
Shapes internal narrative and urgency.
Affected but Powerless
Experiences consequences without authority.
Highly visible — rarely decisive.
Adoption is not unlocked by enthusiasm.
It is released when conditions are met.
It is released when conditions are met.
This topology describes how power exists inside the system.
Next, we examine Founder Topology — how power enters the system, and which conditions can realistically be changed.
Next, we examine Founder Topology — how power enters the system, and which conditions can realistically be changed.