Project Management Professional (PMP) — Question 900

A project team member was unhappy with a new change in project governance and complained to one of the project sponsors. The project sponsor challenged the project manager.

How should the project manager resolve this conflict?

Answer options

• A. Schedule a meeting with the project team member's functional manager and request the functional manager's support.
• B. Arrange a meeting with the project team member and project sponsor to discuss the change and obtain consensus.
• C. Explain to the sponsor why the change is required and get their support in forcing the project team member to accept the new change.
• D. Discuss how to manage this conflict with the project management office (PMO) and let them decide how to resolve the issue.

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer, B, encourages direct communication and collaboration between the parties involved, which is crucial in conflict resolution. Option A involves third-party intervention that may escalate the issue, while C focuses on forcing acceptance rather than fostering understanding. Option D shifts the responsibility to the PMO, which may not be ideal in resolving interpersonal conflicts directly.