PMP · Question #928
A project manager is leading a digital transformation project in a large geographically distributed organization. During the execution phase, the project team noticed that the organization's…
The correct answer is A. Foster stakeholder engagement in order to improve communication. C. Share the project objectives to ensure they are properly digested. To address differing perceptions and expectations among stakeholders in a large project, the project manager should foster engagement to improve communication and clearly disseminate project objectives.
Question
A project manager is leading a digital transformation project in a large geographically distributed organization. During the execution phase, the project team noticed that the organization's employees and heads of departments have different perceptions and expectations of the project and its outcome. The project manager is afraid that it may impact the project's success. Which two actions can the project manager do to resolve this issue? (Choose two.)
Options
- AFoster stakeholder engagement in order to improve communication.
- BDiscuss the issue with the project sponsor in order to handle it efficiently.
- CShare the project objectives to ensure they are properly digested.
- DInsist on face-to-face meetings in order to understand the real concerns.
- EProceed as planned as these situations are quite common in large projects.
How the community answered
(42 responses)- A76% (32)
- B5% (2)
- D7% (3)
- E12% (5)
Why each option
To address differing perceptions and expectations among stakeholders in a large project, the project manager should foster engagement to improve communication and clearly disseminate project objectives.
Differing perceptions often stem from inadequate or inconsistent communication and a lack of involvement. Fostering stakeholder engagement, which involves proactively communicating, listening, and involving stakeholders in relevant project activities, directly addresses this by building understanding and alignment.
While discussing with the sponsor is important for support and strategy, it's not a primary action to resolve the issue of differing perceptions among employees and department heads directly.
Misaligned perceptions often indicate a lack of clear, consistent understanding of what the project aims to achieve. Re-communicating and ensuring stakeholders properly understand the project objectives helps to unify expectations and align everyone towards a common goal, especially in a geographically distributed setting where consistent messaging can be challenging.
While face-to-face meetings can be effective, insisting on them in a 'large geographically distributed organization' might not be practical or efficient.
Proceeding as planned despite known misalignments in perceptions and expectations is a recipe for project failure and demonstrates a lack of proactive management.
Concept tested: Stakeholder engagement; communication management; managing expectations in complex projects
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/project-stakeholder-management
Topics
Community Discussion
6
Mei-Ling H.Jul 5, 2026Confirmed A and C on my exam last week. The key word in the stem is "different perceptions and expectations" which points directly to a communication gap, so A fixes the root cause through engagement and C ensures everyone actually digests the objectives the same way. B is a trap because the PM should handle stakeholder issues themselves before escalating to the sponsor. D sounds nice but insisting on face-to-face is unrealistic in a geographically distributed organization, and E is obviously wrong since ignoring the issue would guarantee failure.
Prof. SaraJun 26, 2026A and C are the picks, though C is worded a bit oddly with that "digested" phrasing. A is the clear winner for Stakeholder Engagement domain, mapping to the Manage Stakeholder Engagement process. B is tempting since escalating to the sponsor sounds proactive, but this is a PM-level execution issue to resolve directly with the stakeholders first.
Olusegun A.Jul 5, 2026A and C, saw this on my exam, engagement plus clear objectives wins every time.
Imani T.Jun 14, 2026A and C. Saw this on my exam last month, engagement plus objectives is the giveaway.
Wei W.Jun 22, 2026Leaned toward B first, but A and C are the proactive engagement moves.
Olusegun A.Jun 23, 2026A and C are the engagement moves but watch the stem wording carefully because proactive can mean informational push versus collaborative problem solving, and the exam treats those differently.