PMP · Question #769
A project manager works in a hierarchical organization. The project team members are used to being told what to do, and the performance reviews include the percentage of completion of the allocated…
The correct answer is D. Organize a team meeting to inform team members about a change in direction and work with. To reassign tasks effectively without demotivating team members in a hierarchical environment, the project manager should communicate transparently and collaboratively.
Question
Options
- AOrganize a team meeting and inform the team members that, as the person accountable for
- BAsk the more experienced team member privately to take the task and inform the other team
- CAsk the less experienced team member privately to stop working on the task and inform another
- DOrganize a team meeting to inform team members about a change in direction and work with
How the community answered
(25 responses)- A24% (6)
- B12% (3)
- C4% (1)
- D60% (15)
Why each option
To reassign tasks effectively without demotivating team members in a hierarchical environment, the project manager should communicate transparently and collaboratively.
Informing the team in a top-down manner about task reassignments, even from an accountability standpoint, can be perceived negatively and may not foster buy-in or address concerns about performance.
Asking team members privately to take or stop tasks, then informing others, lacks transparency and can lead to resentment, distrust, and negative team dynamics.
Handling task reassignments privately and without open discussion can create a perception of unfairness and negatively impact team morale, particularly in a task-completion-focused environment.
Organizing a team meeting to openly discuss a change in project direction and collaboratively work with the team to reassign tasks fosters transparency, builds consensus, and mitigates the perception of poor individual performance. This approach respects the team while ensuring project milestones are met by involving them in the solution.
Concept tested: Team leadership, communication, and change management
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
Topics
Community Discussion
5
Luis F.Feb 19, 2026D is the one. In a hierarchical org where people stress over task completion metrics, you gotta be transparent about the change in direction and collaborate with the team so nobody feels singled out or penalized.
Carlos M.Feb 10, 2026D is right but man that option text cuts off mid-sentence. A is tempting because in a hierarchical org just pulling rank feels natural, but the key is working with the team on the change, not just dictating it.
Samuel O.Feb 12, 2026D is the right call here. In a hierarchical environment where people are evaluated on task completion, you have to be transparent about the change in direction so nobody thinks their performance is being questioned, and working with the team on the reassignment shows leadership rather than just issuing orders.
Luis F.Feb 13, 2026Agreed on D, Samuel, the transparency piece is huge so nobody panics about their metrics, and I would add that documenting the rationale for the reassignment helps cover everyone if management asks why priorities shifted.
Bao N.Jan 26, 2026D on this one. The stem screams collaborative leadership since you are in a hierarchical culture and need to avoid making people feel demoted, but I am curious whether the exam always expects a team meeting over a private one on one when the reassignment involves only two people.