PMP · Question #1361
A project manager receives a serious complaint from a functional manager about a team member. What should the project manager do?
The correct answer is D. Discuss the issue with the functional manager to understand the reason for the complaint.. A project manager has received a serious complaint about a team member from a functional manager.
Question
A project manager receives a serious complaint from a functional manager about a team member. What should the project manager do?
Options
- ASupport the team member and provide documentation to the functional manager proving their
- BReplace the team member immediately to maintain a good relationship with the functional
- CProtect the team member and ask the project sponsor to minimize any external interruptions.
- DDiscuss the issue with the functional manager to understand the reason for the complaint.
How the community answered
(24 responses)- A4% (1)
- B13% (3)
- C4% (1)
- D79% (19)
Why each option
A project manager has received a serious complaint about a team member from a functional manager.
Automatically defending the team member without understanding the complaint is unprofessional and could escalate the conflict or ignore a valid issue.
Replacing a team member immediately without investigation is an extreme and often unwarranted action that can harm team morale and project progress.
Protecting the team member by involving the sponsor without first investigating the complaint can appear biased and prevent resolution of the actual issue.
The first step in addressing any complaint or conflict is to gather information and understand the situation from all perspectives. Discussing the issue with the functional manager allows the project manager to understand the specific nature of the complaint, its severity, and potential impacts before taking any further action. This step is crucial for effective conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Concept tested: Conflict resolution and information gathering
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Samuel O.Feb 20, 2026D is correct here. In a matrix environment you never just accept a complaint at face value or jump to replacing someone, you sit down with that functional manager and get the actual story. I have had HR calls come my way over the years and half the time the issue is a miscommunication about project priorities versus departmental priorities. Having that direct conversation keeps the relationship professional and gives you the facts before you take any action with the team member.
Brenda K.Feb 22, 2026Agreed on D, and the key exam tell here is that the correct answer always involves communication before action, which is your 30-second gimme question so bank it and move on fast.
Brenda K.Mar 1, 2026D is the clock-saver, always gather facts first. Anyone know if A ever wins when docs already exist?
Bao N.Feb 21, 2026D is correct, confirmed on multiple practice sets. You always investigate before acting, and discussing the issue directly with the functional manager gets you the actual reason for the complaint before you escalate or defend anyone.