PMP · Question #1229
The project manager's firm is executing a construction project. The project is stalled due to reemerging conflicts and misunderstandings among stakeholders. What should the project manager do to…
The correct answer is D. Determine the root cause of the misunderstandings, get all parties to reach a consensus, and. To resolve persistent stakeholder conflicts and misunderstandings stalling a project, the project manager must identify the underlying causes and facilitate consensus among all parties.
Question
The project manager's firm is executing a construction project. The project is stalled due to reemerging conflicts and misunderstandings among stakeholders. What should the project manager do to ensure a smooth start and completion of the project?
Options
- AInvite all the stakeholders to a change control board (CCB) meeting, share feedback and facts,
- BAdvise the firm to cancel the project due to misunderstandings among the stakeholders and the
- CConduct an on-site survey, start the project to avoid any undue delays, and ensure costs are
- DDetermine the root cause of the misunderstandings, get all parties to reach a consensus, and
How the community answered
(37 responses)- A16% (6)
- B8% (3)
- C5% (2)
- D70% (26)
Why each option
To resolve persistent stakeholder conflicts and misunderstandings stalling a project, the project manager must identify the underlying causes and facilitate consensus among all parties.
Conducting an on-site survey and starting the project without resolving existing misunderstandings will likely lead to further conflicts and delays, as the root causes remain unaddressed.
Determining the root cause of misunderstandings allows the project manager to address the actual issues driving conflict, and achieving consensus ensures all parties are aligned and committed to the project's direction. This proactive approach tackles the core problem for a smooth project start and completion.
Concept tested: Stakeholder conflict resolution and root cause analysis
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmi-standards+
Topics
Community Discussion
5
Nina C.Jun 19, 2026D is correct here. Coming from teaching, I learned you never resolve recurring conflict without finding the root cause first, so getting everyone to consensus on the underlying issue is the only real fix.
Carlos M.Jun 5, 2026D is the right call. You have to figure out what is actually causing the friction before you can fix it, and getting everyone to consensus is the only way to stop the same conflict from derailing the project again.
Imani T.Jun 27, 2026D is the PMI answer. Anyone know if consensus is required or just adequate alignment?
Wesley A.Jun 12, 2026D is correct. Failed first time picking A, CCB is for changes not conflicts. Root cause first, then consensus.
Imani T.Jun 14, 2026Agreed on D, but worth noting the exam frames this as a scheduling conflict between two teams, not a technical disagreement, so the PMBOK "conflict resolution" techniques like collaborate/problem-solve are what they are really testing, not just generic root cause analysis.