CBAP · Question #380
As part of defining the business analysis approach for a project, the business analyst (BA) identifies the key stakeholders responsible for upcoming activities for the initial phase. The BA emails…
The correct answer is B. Negotiation, conflict resolution, effective communication. When stakeholders are unresponsive, hostile, or confused, the BA must draw on interpersonal competencies - specifically negotiation, conflict resolution, and effective communication - to achieve alignment.
Question
As part of defining the business analysis approach for a project, the business analyst (BA) identifies the key stakeholders responsible for upcoming activities for the initial phase. The BA emails each of these stakeholders and asks when they can be finished. One stakeholder does not reply, one angrily comments that it is not their job and is too busy, and two respond saying that they do not understand what is being asked of them. What competencies can the BA draw on that would best assist with getting agreement from all these stakeholders?
Options
- APersonal accountability, time management, demonstrated trustworthiness
- BNegotiation, conflict resolution, effective communication
- CIndustry knowledge, solution knowledge, organization knowledge
- DLearning, creative thinking, problem solving
How the community answered
(34 responses)- A3% (1)
- B74% (25)
- C15% (5)
- D9% (3)
Why each option
When stakeholders are unresponsive, hostile, or confused, the BA must draw on interpersonal competencies - specifically negotiation, conflict resolution, and effective communication - to achieve alignment.
Personal accountability and time management are self-management competencies that govern the BA's own conduct, not tools for influencing or aligning resistant stakeholders.
The non-replying stakeholder requires negotiation to secure commitment, the angry stakeholder presents a conflict requiring resolution, and the two confused stakeholders need effective communication to clarify expectations. These three competencies directly map to the three distinct stakeholder response patterns described, making this the most targeted and comprehensive answer.
Industry, solution, and organization knowledge are domain competencies that inform analysis work but do not resolve interpersonal or communication breakdowns with stakeholders.
Creative thinking and problem solving address analytical challenges, not the human-relations and engagement barriers presented in this scenario.
Concept tested: BA interpersonal competencies for stakeholder alignment
Source: https://www.iiba.org/career-resources/a-business-analysis-professionals-foundation-for-success/babok/
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