PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
In a matrix organization, a project manager needs to acquire a team member from a functional department. The functional manager is reluctant to release the resource due to other work. What is the best way for the project manager to address this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Negotiate with the functional manager for the resource
In a matrix organization, the PM must negotiate with the functional manager for resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Negotiate with the functional manager for the resource
Why this is correct
In a matrix organisation, resources remain under functional manager control, so the project manager must negotiate directly with that manager to secure the team member. Negotiation addresses the shared-authority constraint rather than escalating or demanding the resource.
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Hire an external contractor
Why it's wrong here
Contracting bypasses the functional manager entirely, spending budget and adding onboarding delay while leaving the matrix authority conflict unresolved. Tempting when internal negotiation stalls, but escalation and resource negotiation within the matrix is the expected route; contractors suit genuine skill gaps, not temporary contention.
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Assign the task to another team member
Why it's wrong here
Reassigning the task avoids the resourcing conflict rather than resolving it, and may exceed remaining team capacity or skills. It is tempting when the deliverable must proceed regardless, but this option is correct only when the required expertise already exists elsewhere and the schedule permits the substitution.
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Escalate to the project sponsor immediately
Why it's wrong here
Escalation bypasses the negotiation the matrix structure expects the project manager to attempt first, and sponsors typically reject premature escalation. It is tempting because sponsors can arbitrate cross-functional disputes, making escalation correct only after direct negotiation with the functional manager has genuinely failed.
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