CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager in a weak matrix organization is having difficulty getting team members to complete project tasks because they prioritize their functional work. Which type of power should the project manager primarily rely on to influence the team?
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
✓
Expert power based on knowledge
In a weak matrix organization, the project manager has limited formal authority and little or no control over rewards or punishments. Therefore, the most effective power base is expert power, which relies on the project manager's knowledge, skills, and expertise to influence team members. Expert power is particularly effective when team members respect the PM's expertise and see value in their guidance, making them more willing to prioritize project tasks despite their functional responsibilities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Punitive power by threatening negative consequences
Why it's wrong here
Punitive power depends on disciplinary authority the project manager lacks in a weak matrix, and threats damage the relationships needed to secure cooperation. It is tempting because coercive power can compel compliance in strong matrices where the project manager controls performance assessments.
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Expert power based on knowledge
Why this is correct
In a weak matrix, the project manager lacks formal authority over functional staff, so legitimate, reward and coercive power are unavailable. Expert power derives from technical knowledge and credibility, which earns voluntary cooperation from team members who respect the manager's competence.
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Reward power by offering bonuses
Why it's wrong here
The project manager in a weak matrix typically controls no budget for bonuses, so reward power cannot be exercised. It is tempting because reward power is effective where the project manager holds budgetary authority and can tie incentives to project task completion.
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Formal power derived from position
Why it's wrong here
In a weak matrix, functional managers hold formal authority over resources, so positional power carries little weight over task priorities. It is tempting because formal power works in strong matrices or functional structures, where the project manager controls assignments and evaluations directly.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.