PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineCommunication and Stakeholder ManagementHard
A project manager is leading a highly innovative product development project. During stakeholder analysis, it was determined that a key regulatory body has low current engagement but possesses very high power to halt the project if compliance requirements are not met. What is the most critical action for the project manager to take regarding this stakeholder?
- AMinimize communication to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
- BFocus on satisfying other stakeholders with higher current interest.
- CProactively engage them to understand their requirements and ensure early compliance.
- DRegularly send them general project status updates.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Proactively engage them to understand their requirements and ensure early compliance.
A regulatory body with high power, even with low current engagement, poses a significant risk. The 'Keep Satisfied' strategy (or proactively engaging to prevent dissatisfaction) is critical. This means actively understanding their requirements and ensuring early compliance to prevent them from becoming an impediment, rather than waiting for them to become interested or informed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Minimizing communication with a high-power stakeholder is risky and could lead to project failure due to non-compliance.
- B. Neglecting a high-power stakeholder, even with low interest, is dangerous as they can still significantly impact the project.
- D. General updates are insufficient for a high-power, low-interest stakeholder; proactive engagement is needed.
Keep Satisfied Strategy
A stakeholder engagement strategy for stakeholders with high power but low interest, focusing on meeting their basic needs to prevent them from becoming dissatisfied or disruptive.
- Proactive identification of their needs/expectations.
- Avoids over-engagement to prevent increasing their interest.
- Crucial for regulatory bodies or senior management.
Memory trick: Keep the powerful but uninterested satisfied to avoid roadblocks.