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.
- ✗
Punitive power by threatening negative consequences
Why it's wrong here
Punitive power can harm relationships and is rarely effective.
- ✓
Expert power based on knowledge
Why this is correct
Expert power relies on the project manager's expertise and is effective in a weak matrix.
- ✗
Reward power by offering bonuses
Why it's wrong here
Reward power may not be available and can create dependency.
- ✗
Formal power derived from position
Why it's wrong here
In a weak matrix, the project manager has limited formal authority.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CAPM question is part of Courseiva's 487-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.