PMP · Question #334
At the end of a meeting, a functional manager takes the project manager aside to raise some concerns on behalf of a project team member who is unclear about their role and responsibilities for the pro
The correct answer is B. Advise the functional manager and the project team member to review the resource management. When a project team member is unclear about their roles and responsibilities, the project manager should advise both the functional manager and the team member to review the project's resource management plan.
Question
At the end of a meeting, a functional manager takes the project manager aside to raise some concerns on behalf of a project team member who is unclear about their role and responsibilities for the project. What should the project manager do in this situation?
Options
- ADevelop a work plan for the project team member with the help of the resource manager
- BAdvise the functional manager and the project team member to review the resource management
- CTell the functional manager and the project team member to review the project charter
- DAsk the functional manager to create a specific responsible, accountable, consult, and inform
How the community answered
(29 responses)- A3% (1)
- B69% (20)
- C10% (3)
- D17% (5)
Why each option
When a project team member is unclear about their roles and responsibilities, the project manager should advise both the functional manager and the team member to review the project's resource management plan.
Developing a new work plan for a single team member without first checking the existing documentation is an inefficient and potentially redundant step; the information should already be defined.
The resource management plan (which often includes a roles and responsibilities matrix like a RAM or RACI) is the primary document that defines and clarifies individual team members' roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships within the project.
The project charter provides high-level project authority and objectives but typically does not detail individual team members' specific roles and responsibilities.
Asking the functional manager to create a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix is effectively asking them to do the project manager's job of defining roles, and such information should already be part of the resource management plan.
Concept tested: Clarifying project roles and responsibilities (Resource Management Plan)
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/process-groups/planning/plan-resource-management
Topics
Community Discussion
8
Mei-Ling H.Dec 10, 2025B is correct because the key phrase here is "role and responsibilities" which maps directly to the resource management plan. A is a trap because it jumps to creating a work plan when the real issue is the team member needs to review the plan that already defines their role.
Orla P.Dec 12, 2025Agree on B but would add that the resource management plan is specifically the section that documents team roles and reporting relationships, so if you see reporting structure or role clarity language in the stem that is your anchor even before the responsibilities keyword.
Samuel O.Dec 13, 2025Went with B on my attempt last month. D is tempting because you immediately think RACI chart, but notice it says ask the functional manager to create it, which is wrong since that is the project manager's job. The resource management plan is where role clarity lives, so pointing them there is the right call.
Hiroshi T.Nov 29, 2025B is correct. PMBOK directs role clarity issues to the resource management plan.
Brenda K.Dec 30, 2025A, quick win. PM owns the work plan, loop in the resource manager for buy-in.
Samuel O.Jan 2, 2026Actually B is the right call here, Brenda. In practice the resource manager owns the capacity and availability side, so they need to drive that piece of the plan for it to stick - the PM can coordinate but cant force commitments they dont control.
Orla P.Jan 11, 2026B is correct. Resource management plan is where team roles and responsibilities live.
Brenda K.Jan 12, 2026Agreed on B, and the giveaway is roles AND responsibilities together because the staffing management plan only covers the acquisition and release side, not the role definitions.