PGMP · Question #386
A Project Manager has been assigned to manage a project that requires two development teams. One team will create the server software and is local, and the other team will create the client software a
The correct answer is B. Review the customs and traditions of the foreign country. A foreign development team is consistently 15 minutes late to conference calls. Before taking corrective action, the PM should investigate whether cultural or traditional norms explain the behavior.
Question
A Project Manager has been assigned to manage a project that requires two development teams. One team will create the server software and is local, and the other team will create the client software and resides in a foreign country. For the most recent 10 conference calls with the foreign country, the foreign team is consistently 15 minutes late to the meeting. How should the Project Manager handle this problem?
Options
- AReport this to senior management
- BReview the customs and traditions of the foreign country
- CCall the development manager of the foreign country
- DIgnore the problem
How the community answered
(36 responses)- A14% (5)
- B75% (27)
- C8% (3)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
A foreign development team is consistently 15 minutes late to conference calls. Before taking corrective action, the PM should investigate whether cultural or traditional norms explain the behavior.
Reporting to senior management before investigating the root cause escalates the issue prematurely and may reflect cultural bias rather than a genuine performance problem.
Reviewing the customs and traditions of the foreign country is the correct first step because what appears to be tardiness may be a culturally accepted norm for meeting start times in that country. PMI emphasizes cultural sensitivity and awareness when managing international or multicultural teams. Understanding the root cause of the behavior allows the PM to address it appropriately rather than escalating or confronting the team prematurely.
Calling the foreign development manager before understanding cultural context could damage the relationship and create unnecessary conflict.
Ignoring a recurring pattern that impacts meeting effectiveness is not acceptable project management practice.
Concept tested: Cultural sensitivity in international project management
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
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