PMP Practice Question: Business Environment: strategy and project benefits
A project manager is leading a hybrid project. An executive stakeholder bypasses the PM and gives direct orders to the development team. What should the PM do?
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
✓
Have a private conversation with the executive to explain the impact of bypassing the PM and request they communicate through the proper channels
Have a private conversation with the executive to explain the impact of bypassing the PM and request they communicate through the proper channels. This is the best first step because it addresses the issue directly with the stakeholder, maintaining the project manager's authority while preserving the relationship. Option A (reporting to the sponsor) escalates without first attempting to resolve the issue, which can damage trust. Option B (updating the communications management plan) is a procedural fix that does not address the immediate behavior. Option D (telling the team to ignore the orders) undermines the executive's authority and may create conflict. Therefore, a private conversation is the most appropriate initial action.
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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Report the executive's behavior to the sponsor
Why it's wrong here
Reporting the executive's behavior directly to the sponsor is premature and could escalate the situation unnecessarily without first attempting a direct resolution. The Project Manager (PM) should always prioritize direct communication with the involved stakeholder to understand their perspective and explain the impact of their actions on project governance and team morale. Escalation is a valid tool, but it should be reserved for situations where direct engagement has failed or is inappropriate.
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Update the communications management plan to include reporting requirements
Why it's wrong here
Updating the communications management plan, while a good practice for continuous improvement, does not address the immediate issue of an executive bypassing the Project Manager (PM) and giving direct orders. This action is reactive rather than proactive in resolving the current conflict and maintaining project control. The primary concern is the disruption to the project's established communication channels and authority, which requires immediate stakeholder engagement before process documentation changes.
- ✓
Have a private conversation with the executive to explain the impact of bypassing the PM and request they communicate through the proper channels
Why this is correct
Engaging in a private conversation with the executive is the most appropriate and professional first step. This allows the Project Manager (PM) to directly address the issue, explain the negative impact of bypassing established communication channels on project control, team morale, and potential scope creep, and reinforce the project's governance structure. This approach fosters mutual understanding, respects the executive's position, and seeks a collaborative resolution before resorting to formal processes or escalation.
- ✗
Tell the team to ignore the executive's orders
Why it's wrong here
Instructing the team to ignore an executive's orders is highly detrimental and unprofessional. This action directly undermines the executive's authority, creates internal conflict, and places the team in an untenable position between two conflicting directives. Such a move can severely damage stakeholder relationships, erode trust, and potentially lead to a complete breakdown in project governance, making it an inappropriate and counterproductive response.
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