PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
A project manager is leading a cross-functional team where two key members have conflicting priorities. One member insists on following a strict process, while the other wants to expedite delivery. The project manager needs to resolve the conflict to keep the project on track. Which approach is most effective?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose Option B (compromise) as a 'fair' middle ground, but the PMP exam emphasizes that compromise (lose-lose) is less effective than collaboration (win-win) for resolving conflicts in high-stakes projects.
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
✓
Facilitate a meeting to discuss both perspectives and find a solution that meets core needs.
Facilitating a meeting to discuss both perspectives aligns with the PMP's 'Manage Conflict' process under the 'People' domain. This collaborative approach, known as 'collaborating' or 'problem-solving,' seeks a win-win solution that addresses the core needs of both team members—ensuring quality while meeting delivery timelines—without forcing a compromise that dilutes value or ignoring the issue.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enforce the strict process to ensure quality.
Why it's wrong here
This approach represents a 'forcing' conflict resolution technique, where the project manager uses their authority to impose a solution. While it might ensure adherence to a specific process, it often fails to address the underlying concerns of the team members, leading to resentment, reduced buy-in, and potential future conflicts. It prioritizes control over collaboration, which can be detrimental in a cross-functional environment.
- ✗
Suggest a compromise where both give up some requirements.
Why it's wrong here
Suggesting a compromise is a 'compromising' conflict resolution strategy, where each party gives up something to reach an agreement. While it can provide a quick resolution, it often results in a 'lose-lose' scenario where neither party's core needs are fully met, leading to suboptimal outcomes for the project. This approach may not foster long-term satisfaction or address the root causes of the disagreement.
- ✓
Facilitate a meeting to discuss both perspectives and find a solution that meets core needs.
Why this is correct
This option exemplifies the 'collaborating' or 'problem-solving' conflict resolution technique, which is highly recommended in project management. By facilitating a meeting, the project manager encourages open communication, active listening, and a shared understanding of both perspectives and underlying interests. This approach aims for a 'win-win' solution that integrates diverse viewpoints, leading to a more robust, sustainable, and mutually agreeable outcome for the project.
- ✗
Ignore the conflict and hope it resolves itself.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the conflict is an 'avoiding' or 'withdrawing' strategy, which is generally detrimental in project management. This approach allows issues to fester, potentially escalating over time and negatively impacting team morale, productivity, and project timelines. Unaddressed conflicts can lead to decreased trust, communication breakdowns, and ultimately, project failure as underlying problems remain unresolved.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Organizational Change Management
Organizational Change Management (OCM) is the structured approach to preparing, supporting, and guiding people through changes in an organization to ensure lasting success.
Key term
Training and Development
Training and Development is the process of enhancing team members' skills, knowledge, and competencies to improve project performance and achieve career growth.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PMP 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 PMP exam.