Indirect consultation is a common form of involvement for indirect stakeholders. In many change activities, for example, some form of representative group is set up. They are then given information and perhaps asked to react to it. Or perhaps they are asked only for the answers to some questions. In direct consultation all stakeholders are offered the opportunity to give information, or get information, or both.
Research involving many stakeholders can complicate the issues.
In such instances, it is not uncommon for researchers to distinguish direct and indirect stakeholders. They may then aim for a high level of participation of direct stakeholders, and representation for indirect stakeholders. It describes an approach which offers greater involvement to participants. The researcher or facilitator manages the process by which information is gained. The participants do the rest.