- A
Create a policy requiring all team members to communicate in a standard way
Why wrong: Policies alone do not resolve interpersonal conflict.
- B
Determine which team member is at fault and counsel them individually
Why wrong: This may not address cultural differences and could create resentment.
- C
Advise the team to avoid discussing cultural differences to prevent further conflict
Why wrong: Avoidance does not resolve the issue.
- D
Arrange a mediation session where both parties can share perspectives and learn about each other's cultural norms
Promotes understanding and inclusivity.
Question 365 of 892
PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of people — leading projects. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A project manager is leading a global team with diverse cultural backgrounds. Two team members from different cultures have a misunderstanding that is causing tension. The project manager wants to promote inclusivity and resolve the issue. What should the project manager 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
✓
Arrange a mediation session where both parties can share perspectives and learn about each other's cultural norms
Option D is correct because it directly addresses the root cause of the conflict—cultural misunderstanding—by facilitating open dialogue and mutual learning. This aligns with the PMP's focus on emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, as the project manager acts as a mediator to foster understanding rather than imposing rules or assigning blame.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a policy requiring all team members to communicate in a standard way
Why it's wrong here
Policies alone do not resolve interpersonal conflict.
- ✗
Determine which team member is at fault and counsel them individually
Why it's wrong here
This may not address cultural differences and could create resentment.
- ✗
Advise the team to avoid discussing cultural differences to prevent further conflict
Why it's wrong here
Avoidance does not resolve the issue.
- ✓
Arrange a mediation session where both parties can share perspectives and learn about each other's cultural norms
Why this is correct
Promotes understanding and inclusivity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose Option A (standardizing communication) thinking it ensures consistency, but PMP exams test the understanding that inclusivity requires adapting to differences, not eliminating them.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In cross-cultural team dynamics, the project manager should apply the 'Interest-Based Relational Approach' (IBR), which separates people from problems and focuses on shared interests. A mediation session leverages active listening and cultural empathy, allowing each party to express their perspective without judgment, which is essential for building trust in global teams. This approach is supported by PMI's Talent Triangle under 'Leadership' and 'Strategic and Business Management' skills.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
People — Leading Projects — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMP question test?
People — Leading Projects — This question tests People — Leading Projects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Arrange a mediation session where both parties can share perspectives and learn about each other's cultural norms — Option D is correct because it directly addresses the root cause of the conflict—cultural misunderstanding—by facilitating open dialogue and mutual learning. This aligns with the PMP's focus on emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, as the project manager acts as a mediator to foster understanding rather than imposing rules or assigning blame.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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