PMP · Question #266
A key project stakeholder does not attend any of the project meetings and is providing false information that the project team is not delivering on time. What should the project manager do to address
The correct answer is B. Discuss communication needs with the key stakeholder.. The project manager must directly engage with the key stakeholder to understand their communication preferences and needs, ensuring they receive accurate and timely information.
Question
Options
- AEmail the latest status report to the key stakeholder.
- BDiscuss communication needs with the key stakeholder.
- CCreate a new communication artifact for the key stakeholder.
- DShare the meeting recordings with the key stakeholder.
How the community answered
(49 responses)- A18% (9)
- B71% (35)
- C2% (1)
- D8% (4)
Why each option
The project manager must directly engage with the key stakeholder to understand their communication preferences and needs, ensuring they receive accurate and timely information.
Simply emailing a status report might not be the stakeholder's preferred communication method and doesn't address the underlying issue of their disengagement or their reason for spreading misinformation.
Directly discussing communication needs helps understand the stakeholder's preferred methods, frequency, and content requirements, which is crucial for addressing both their non-attendance and the spread of misinformation.
Creating a new communication artifact without first understanding the stakeholder's specific needs might result in another ineffective communication method.
Sharing meeting recordings is a passive approach; it doesn't guarantee the stakeholder will watch them, nor does it address the direct need for clarifying misinformation or improving engagement.
Concept tested: Stakeholder engagement and communication planning
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/pmbok-guide-7th-edition-web-edition/project-stakeholder-engagement
Topics
Community Discussion
5
Brenda K.Mar 2, 2026B is correct and it is a 20-second quick win. The stakeholder is spreading false info because nobody has nailed down their actual communication needs, so you fix the root cause by having that conversation instead of just throwing reports or recordings at them.
Fatima Z.Feb 16, 2026Confirmed B on my exam last month, DISCUSS needs is the PMP golden rule.
Brenda K.Feb 19, 2026B is right but watch your clock on these situational stakeholder questions, some of them bury the DISCUSS trigger three lines deep and you can burn 90 seconds hunting for it.
Yusuf A.Feb 4, 2026B is right, my mentor always says you go straight to the source when a stakeholder is spreading bad info. If they are skipping meetings, something about the current communication plan is not working for them, so you need to have that conversation and figure out what they actually need.
Brenda K.Feb 6, 2026Agree on the direct conversation but watch your clock here because this is one of those touchy feely stakeholder questions that can eat three minutes if you let it, so pick B and move on fast.