What best describes the process of snowball sampling in stakeholder engagement?

Snowball sampling is a method commonly used in research and stakeholder engagement that involves identifying and recruiting initial participants who then refer other potential participants to the researcher. This technique is particularly effective in situations where the stakeholders are hard to identify or reach through conventional means.

The correct answer highlights the essence of snowball sampling, which relies on the relationships and networks of the initial participants to expand the pool of stakeholders. This chain of referrals can provide access to a more diverse and representative group of stakeholders, as each participant may connect you with individuals who share similar interests or backgrounds that are relevant to the engagement process.

By leveraging existing relationships, snowball sampling allows for a deeper understanding of community dynamics and stakeholder perspectives, often leading to more meaningful engagement outcomes. It contrasts with methods that require random selection or organized committees, which may not effectively capture the nuances of stakeholder networks.