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PMI-ACP · Question #97

The ScrumMaster and the Product Owner disagree on the value of a Product Backlog item. In order to resolve the disagreement, the first step the ScrumMaster should take is to ask:

The correct answer is A. The Product Owner to clarify the requirement. The Product Owner is the sole authority on product value and backlog prioritization in Scrum. When a disagreement arises, the ScrumMaster's first step should be to ask the PO to clarify their reasoning - this fosters collaboration and respects the PO's accountability…

Submitted by akirajp· Apr 18, 2026Problem Detection and Resolution

Question

The ScrumMaster and the Product Owner disagree on the value of a Product Backlog item. In order to resolve the disagreement, the first step the ScrumMaster should take is to ask:

Options

  • AThe Product Owner to clarify the requirement.
  • BThe business owner to resolve the problem.
  • CThe business analyst to research the product value.
  • DAnother project manager how to resolve the problem.

How the community answered

(41 responses)
  • A
    76% (31)
  • B
    7% (3)
  • C
    2% (1)
  • D
    15% (6)

Explanation

The Product Owner is the sole authority on product value and backlog prioritization in Scrum. When a disagreement arises, the ScrumMaster's first step should be to ask the PO to clarify their reasoning - this fosters collaboration and respects the PO's accountability. Escalating immediately to business owners (B), bringing in a business analyst (C), or consulting another PM (D) all bypass direct communication and violate the Scrum principle of resolving issues at the lowest appropriate level first.

Topics

#ScrumMaster Role#Product Owner Role#Conflict Resolution#Product Backlog Management

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