The correct answer is to arrange a mediation session where both parties can share perspectives and learn about each other's cultural norms. This approach is correct because it directly addresses the root cause of the tension—cross-cultural misunderstandings—by creating a safe space for dialogue and mutual learning, which aligns with the PMP’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion as part of the “Manage Team” process. On the Project Management Professional exam, this scenario tests your ability to apply emotional intelligence and cultural awareness rather than defaulting to blame, policy enforcement, or dismissal. A common trap is choosing an option that assigns fault or imposes a one-size-fits-all rule, but the PMP rewards collaborative conflict resolution that respects individual differences. Memory tip: Think “Mediate, not Mandate”—when cultures clash, facilitate understanding first, not a policy.
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 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 C is correct because facilitating a discussion that acknowledges cultural differences and encourages mutual understanding aligns with diversity and inclusion best practices. Option A assumes one party is responsible. Option B is dismissive. Option D focuses on policy rather than resolution.
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
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 C is correct because facilitating a discussion that acknowledges cultural differences and encourages mutual understanding aligns with diversity and inclusion best practices. Option A assumes one party is responsible. Option B is dismissive. Option D focuses on policy rather than resolution.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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