Sample Motivators

Tool tip: Copy the language directly where useful, but this will work best when you tailor sector‑specific examples to match your own context and combine with the  Message‑Building Template.

Sector

Primary Motivators

Why These Motivators Matter

Government and Public Sector

Also, Intergovernmental agencies; federal, regional & local authorities; regulatory bodies.

Transparency, accountability, integrity, compliance

Public bodies must preserve accurate and accessible records to maintain trust, support democratic processes, and meet statutory obligations.

Cultural Heritage (GLAM)

Also, Museums, archives, libraries, galleries, heritage properties, cultural spaces.

Authenticity, cultural memory, collection completeness, reputation, collection value

GLAM institutions rely on preservation to safeguard society’s cultural record and guarantee that collections remain authoritative and research‑ready over time.

Financial Services

Also, Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, financial service providers.

Compliance, risk management, integrity, security

Financial institutions depend on reliable, auditable historical data to meet regulatory standards, manage risk exposure, and ensure confidence in financial systems.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Also, Hospitals, trusts, and surgeries; life sciences research; pharmaceutical companies; health insurers.

Safety, security, data protection, research enablement

Healthcare organizations must protect sensitive patient data and maintain long‑term research records to ensure safe care delivery, regulatory compliance, and scientific progress.

Higher Education and Research

Also, Universities, research institutes, funders, academic consortia.

Reproducibility, collaboration, integrity, innovation

Preserved research outputs enable reproducibility, foster global collaboration, and support the integrity and advancement of academic knowledge.

Energy and Utilities

Also, Oil & gas, renewable energy providers, utility companies, power infrastructure operators.

Business continuity, environmental impact, efficiency

Energy providers require secure, long‑term data to maintain uninterrupted operations, demonstrate environmental accountability, and optimize performance.

Defense and Security

Also, Military, defense contractors, cybersecurity firms.

Security, data sovereignty, crisis response

Defense organizations must preserve sensitive information securely to protect national interests, ensure operational readiness, and support effective decision‑making in emergencies.

Information Technology

Also, Software companies, cloud service providers, IT consultancies.

Security, innovation, business continuity

IT providers rely on preserved code, logs, and documentation to maintain interoperability, support secure operations, and drive ongoing technological development.

Consumer and Retail / Entertainment

Also, Retailers; manufacturers; e‑commerce; film & TV; streaming services; theatre and entertainment producers

Reputation, revenue, innovation

Organizations in this sector depend on historical consumer behavior and content archives to strengthen brand identity, innovate products, and generate new commercial value.

Industrial and Infrastructure Services

Also, Construction; mining; engineering; architectural services; transport authorities; utilities infrastructure; public works, public safety, and humanitarian response organizations.

Safety, risk management, performance/efficiency

Industries with complex physical operations preserve engineering, design, and operational data to reduce risk, meet regulatory commitments, and improve efficiency.

Tool tip: Copy the language from these Stakeholder Scenarios directly where useful, but this will work best when you tailor the examples to match your own context and combine with the  Message‑Building Template.

Executive Leadership

Finance Leaders

Compliance / Legal / Risk

As an: Executive Leader

I need: access to trusted organizational data.

So, I can: make informed decisions and ensure long‑term continuity.

Potential motivators: Business Continuity, Reputation, Impact, Transparency, Crisis Management, Environmental Impact, Performance

As a: Finance Leader

I need: clarity on the long‑term cost and value of preservation.

So, I can: allocate resources effectively.

Potential motivators: Accountability, Cost, Cost Benefit, Efficiency, Reputation, Revenue, Risk Management

As a: Compliance, Legal, or Risk lead

I need: reliable, complete records.

So, I can: demonstrate compliance and reduce organizational risk.

Potential motivators: Compliance, Accountability, Risk Management, Security, Data Sovereignty

Records / Policy / Standards Managers

IT and Technology Teams

Data Creators and Depositors

As a: Records/Policy/Standards Manager

I need: well-preserved and well‑governed information.

So, I can: enforce policies and maintain integrity across the organization.

Potential motivators: Compliance, Integrity, Accountability, Provenance, Continuous Improvement

As an: IT/Technology Lead,

I need: robust, secure preservation systems.

So, I can: ensure long‑term access and operational continuity.

Potential motivators: Business Continuity, Efficiency, Security, Technology, Recovery

As a: Data Creator or Depositor,

I need: my data to be stored in a trustworthy, well‑managed environment.

So that: it remains authentic and usable over time.

Potential motivators: Integrity, Authenticity, Reproducibility, Provenance, Integrity, Trust, Collection Completeness, Understandability

Metadata / Digitization / Content Specialists

Data Users and Researchers

Communications, Marketing and PR Teams

As a: Metadata/Digitization Specialist,

I need: high‑quality metadata and workflows
 So that: digital assets can be preserved, understood, and discovered.

Potential motivators: Discoverability, Provenance, Integrity, Readability, Understandability

As a: Data User or Researcher

I need: reliable, well‑described data.

So, I can: trust and reuse it in my work.

Potential motivators: Discoverability, Findability, Enabling Research, Reproducibility

As a: Communications/ Engagement lead

I need: access to evidence of our corporate or cultural history.

So, I can: create compelling and engaging stories and communicate value to stakeholders and the public.

Potential motivators: Integrity, Reputation, Impact, Cultural, Corporate or Community Memory, Collaboration, Political Agenda

Funders and Investors

Legislators and Statutory Bodies

External Certification and Compliance Bodies

As a: Funder or Investor:

I need: to know that outputs I support will remain accessible and preserved long‑term,

So, I can: ensure value, accountability, and continued public or financial impact.

Potential motivators: Impact, Revenue, Risk Management, Accountability, Cost Benefit, Transparency, Environmental Impact

As a: Legislator or Statutory Body

I need: timely access to accurate records.

So, I can: make informed policy decisions, evaluate compliance, and uphold public trust.

Potential motivators: Compliance, Accountability, Democracy and Truth, Transparency, Data Sovereignty, Political Agenda

As a: Certification or Compliance Body

I need: visibility into preservation processes.

So, I can: verify that the organization meets required standards without risking reputational or certifying errors.

Potential motivators: Compliance, Accountability, Standardization, Transparency

Public and Communities

Data Users and Researchers

Data Creators and Depositors

As a: Member of the Public or Community

I need: trusted, equitable access to shared information,

So, I can: stay informed and hold institutions accountable.

Potential motivators: Access, Transparency, Community, Memory, Equality and Diversity, Understandability.

As a: Data User or Researcher

I need: reliable, well‑documented datasets.

So, I can: conduct accurate analysis and generate trustworthy insights.

Potential motivators: Access, Discoverability, Enabling Research, Reproducibility, Understandability

As a: Data Creator or Depositor

I need: assurance that my outputs are preserved appropriately.

So that: they remain discoverable, usable, and intact over time.

Potential motivators: Authenticity, Integrity, Provenance, Reproducibility, Trust, Security

Accountants and Auditors

Insurers

Data Owners

As an: Accountant or Auditor

I need: secure access to accurate financial and compliance records.

So, I can: verify integrity, meet audit requirements, and produce reliable reports.

Potential motivators: Accountability, Compliance, Transparency, Risk Management

As an: Insurer

I need: confidence in the organization’s preservation strategy, systems, and risk mitigation measures.

So, I can: accurately assess exposure and avoid unnecessary payouts.

Potential motivators: Risk Management, Accountability, Security, Business Continuity, Crisis Management, Recovery, Safety

As a: Data Owner,

I need: secure, real‑time visibility of how my data is preserved and used.

So, I can: protect my interests and maintain trust in its long‑term stewardship.

Potential motivators: Accountability, Data Protection, Trust, Security