PMP · Question #233
Two members of a new project team disagree on the best approach to solve a problem. The conflict has been going on for 1 week. The two members are tense around each other and are taking everything per
The correct answer is A. Help the team members to resolve the conflict in a way that results in the best team performance.. The project manager should actively facilitate conflict resolution between team members to achieve a solution that optimizes overall team performance.
Question
Two members of a new project team disagree on the best approach to solve a problem. The conflict has been going on for 1 week. The two members are tense around each other and are taking everything personally. What should the project manager do?
Options
- AHelp the team members to resolve the conflict in a way that results in the best team performance.
- BOffer a compromise that is acceptable to both team members, even if it may not be the best
- CUnderstand each team member's argument and select the one that results in less risk to the
- DSend both team members to the human resources (HR) department for an acceptable resolution.
How the community answered
(24 responses)- A71% (17)
- B4% (1)
- C8% (2)
- D17% (4)
Why each option
The project manager should actively facilitate conflict resolution between team members to achieve a solution that optimizes overall team performance.
A project manager's role includes managing team conflicts constructively to ensure a productive working environment and optimal project outcomes. By facilitating a resolution, the project manager helps the team members address their disagreements, learn to work together, and ultimately find the best technical approach for the project, rather than avoiding the issue or imposing a suboptimal solution.
Offering a compromise might temporarily resolve the tension but could lead to a suboptimal technical solution if it's not the 'best' approach, impacting project quality or performance.
The project manager choosing a side, even based on risk, can alienate the other team member and may not foster long-term collaboration or team ownership of the solution.
Escalating to HR is an extreme measure for a technical disagreement and bypasses the project manager's responsibility to manage team dynamics and conflict within the project context.
Concept tested: Conflict resolution and team performance
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
Topics
Community Discussion
7
Viktor S.Mar 11, 2026A is the right call here. PMI wants you to focus on collaboration and team performance, not quick fixes or offloading to HR.
Anjali D.Feb 22, 2026Our group landed on A. PMI wants you to facilitate collaboration first so the team owns the solution, and B is a trap because compromise on a new team just papers over the real issue without improving performance.
Viktor S.Feb 24, 2026A is right but the real giveaway in the stem is "new team" because you cannot expect a freshly formed group to have the trust or shared history needed for genuine compromise, so facilitation is the only move that actually builds the foundation for later conflict resolution.
Lena V.Mar 1, 2026Leaned toward B first, but A wins because PMI wants collaboration for best team performance.
Anjali D.Mar 2, 2026Agreed on A, and I would add that collaboration is the angle PMI keeps hammering across both PMP and PMI-ACP questions, not just the team performance domain.
Brenda K.Mar 25, 2026A is the fast pick. Collaborate or solve is PMIs default when its personal.
Lena V.Mar 26, 2026Agreed on A for the exam but note if the question says team conflict versus individual, PMI shifts to confront/problem solve as the primary, collaborate is the umbrella term.