Communication & Stakeholder Relations Flashcards

Which factor most commonly causes communication breakdown between technical project teams and non-technical stakeholders?

Answer: Failure to translate technical language into business-relevant terms

The gap between technical terminology and business language creates misunderstanding; effective communicators bridge this by translating concepts into business impact.

A project manager wants to gauge stakeholder sentiment before a critical decision meeting. Which method provides the most candid individual feedback?

Answer: Anonymous survey or one-on-one pre-meeting interviews

Anonymous surveys or private interviews reduce social pressure, encouraging stakeholders to share genuine concerns not voiced in group settings.

In the context of stakeholder engagement, 'two-way communication' is valued because it:

Answer: Creates a feedback loop that improves understanding and builds trust

Two-way communication allows both parties to clarify, respond, and refine understanding, strengthening the relationship and reducing misinterpretation.

Which of the following best describes 'upward communication' in an organizational context?

Answer: Information flowing from lower-level employees to senior leadership

Upward communication refers to messages, reports, and feedback directed from staff or project teams to senior management or executives.

A project manager is managing a conflict between two key stakeholders with opposing views on project priorities. The BEST initial step is to:

Answer: Facilitate a structured dialogue allowing each party to express their perspective

A facilitated dialogue gives both stakeholders voice, surfaces underlying interests, and is the foundation for a durable resolution.

Which element distinguishes a communication plan from a stakeholder register?

Answer: The communication plan specifies how and when to communicate; the register catalogs stakeholder attributes

The communication plan defines delivery methods, frequency, and content; the stakeholder register documents stakeholder identities, influence, and interests.

A CSET project manager notices that written status reports are consistently ignored by a key stakeholder. The most adaptive response is to:

Answer: Explore whether a different format—such as a dashboard or verbal briefing—better fits the stakeholder's style

Adapting the communication format to the stakeholder's preferred style increases engagement and the likelihood the information is acted upon.