PMP · Question #103
A project manager for a factory construction project in a small town is evaluating the necessary actions to engage stakeholders. The local community is speculating the impact of the facility. There ar
The correct answer is A. Build channels to extend communication efforts to the local community.. With rumors and speculation affecting a local community about a project, the project manager should proactively establish direct communication channels to manage information and engage the community effectively.
Question
Options
- ABuild channels to extend communication efforts to the local community.
- BFocus on the sideward stakeholders only and let the organization manage the community.
- CUse the city administration to address communication with the community.
- DInclude the local union representative in the high-power, high-impact stakeholder group.
How the community answered
(31 responses)- A77% (24)
- B3% (1)
- C13% (4)
- D6% (2)
Why each option
With rumors and speculation affecting a local community about a project, the project manager should proactively establish direct communication channels to manage information and engage the community effectively.
Building direct communication channels allows the project manager to proactively address community concerns, clarify misinformation, and build trust, which is crucial when rumors are circulating about job opportunities and environmental impacts. This approach fosters positive stakeholder relationships and can mitigate potential risks related to community opposition.
Ignoring the local community by focusing only on sideward stakeholders or delegating community management entirely to the organization is irresponsible and could exacerbate rumors and negative sentiment.
While the city administration can be a communication channel, relying solely on them may not be sufficient or direct enough to address specific community concerns and build direct rapport effectively.
While a local union representative might be an important stakeholder, including them in a 'high-power, high-impact' group is a specific stakeholder classification step, not the primary action for engaging the broader community and addressing widespread rumors.
Concept tested: Stakeholder engagement and communication management
Topics
Community Discussion
6
Toby R.Mar 1, 2026Took the PMP last month and got a variant of this one, confirmed A is correct. The keywords here are "rumors" and "speculating," which tell you the community is already engaged but misinformed, so you need to open direct channels rather than filter communication through someone else. B and C both try to push the community off onto another party, which never works on the exam when stakeholders are already speculating. D is a trap because a single union rep does not represent the full community and its environmental concerns, plus it skips the actual engagement step the question is asking for
Orla P.Feb 25, 2026Confirmed A on exam last month. When rumors are circulating and the community is already on your risk matrix, that is the signal to open communication channels directly rather than filtering through the city or the org. Does anyone know if the PMBOK seventh edition still references the specific engagement assessment matrix or if it is all folded into stakeholder engagement performance now?
Zlatan X.Feb 22, 2026Saw this on my exam last month, A is correct because rumors demand direct community engagement channels.
Orla P.Feb 24, 2026A gets you the points but the keyword to watch for in the stem is escalation or rapidly spreading, that is what triggers the community channel over a standard response post.
Grace U.Feb 28, 2026A is the right call here because when community concerns are already on your risk matrix, proactive communication channels are your best tool to manage speculation before it escalates. It is tempting to delegate upward to the city administration or narrow your focus, but the PM owns stakeholder engagement directly. One thing I am curious about, how would you decide when a stakeholder group like this community crosses the line from general awareness into needing active risk mitigation on the matrix?
Orla P.Mar 2, 2026Agree on A, and the line from awareness to active mitigation is basically when a stakeholder group has both the means and the motivation to delay or disrupt your project, not just when they are unhappy.