A popular framework for analyzing key stakeholders is the Power-Interest Grid. The axes of this 2X2 or 3X3 grid are power (influence) of the stakeholder on the project. You are placing stakeholders into low, medium or high levels against each of these 2 dimensions.
The attitude of the stakeholder is often shaped by where they are on the grid. They are either a defender of the status when they are less positive about the project or they are just not powerful enough to be disruptive; or on the other hand, fans of the project.
The grid is an excellent pointer to what to anticipate from stakeholders when it comes to their attitude to the system. Here is a sample grid:
As a Practice Leader, conducting reviews of projects and accounts where we are doing work. I have found this a handy tool for mapping out the project team’s equation with stakeholders.