OM Stakeholder Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A stakeholder engagement assessment matrix tracks stakeholders from 'unaware' to 'leading.' What is the PRIMARY purpose of this tool?
- To rank stakeholders by their financial contribution to the project
- To identify gaps between current and desired stakeholder engagement levels (Correct answer)
- To document stakeholder contact information
- To assign stakeholders to specific project teams
Correct answer: To identify gaps between current and desired stakeholder engagement levels
The engagement assessment matrix helps identify where each stakeholder currently stands versus where they need to be, guiding targeted communication strategies.
Question 2: Which communication barrier is MOST likely to arise in a geographically dispersed multinational stakeholder group?
- Lack of formal communication channels
- Cultural differences and time zone misalignment (Correct answer)
- Insufficient meeting frequency
- Overuse of written documentation
Correct answer: Cultural differences and time zone misalignment
Cultural norms around communication style and scheduling across time zones are the most common barriers in multinational stakeholder groups.
Question 3: According to best practices, how often should a stakeholder communication plan be reviewed and updated?
- Once at project initiation only
- Only when a stakeholder formally requests changes
- Regularly throughout the project lifecycle as stakeholder needs evolve (Correct answer)
- At project close to document lessons learned
Correct answer: Regularly throughout the project lifecycle as stakeholder needs evolve
Stakeholder needs, influence, and interest can shift during a project, so the communication plan should be a living document reviewed at regular intervals.
Question 4: Which listening technique involves paraphrasing what a stakeholder said to confirm understanding before responding?
- Empathic listening
- Selective listening
- Reflective listening (Correct answer)
- Passive listening
Correct answer: Reflective listening
Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing the speaker's message to verify accurate understanding and demonstrate engagement.
Question 5: A project manager must communicate a scope reduction to stakeholders who strongly advocated for the removed features. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
- Announce the change via email with no opportunity for discussion
- Meet with affected stakeholders to explain the rationale and explore alternatives (Correct answer)
- Delay communication until the project is complete
- Ask another team member to deliver the news to avoid conflict
Correct answer: Meet with affected stakeholders to explain the rationale and explore alternatives
Direct, transparent communication with an explanation and opportunity for dialogue respects stakeholders and preserves long-term relationships.
Question 6: In the context of stakeholder communication, what does 'message tailoring' mean?
- Editing messages for grammar and spelling before sending
- Adapting the content, language, and depth of information to suit specific audience needs (Correct answer)
- Using the same message template across all stakeholder groups for consistency
- Translating messages into multiple languages
Correct answer: Adapting the content, language, and depth of information to suit specific audience needs
Message tailoring means adjusting communication content and style to match the knowledge level, interests, and preferences of each stakeholder group.
Question 7: Which scenario BEST illustrates a 'high power, low interest' stakeholder as defined by a power-interest grid?
- A daily end-user who tests every product update
- A CEO who approves budgets but delegates day-to-day project oversight (Correct answer)
- A team lead who attends every project meeting and reviews all deliverables
- A regulatory body that reviews deliverables quarterly with full veto authority
Correct answer: A CEO who approves budgets but delegates day-to-day project oversight
A CEO with budget authority but who delegates execution has high power over the project but low active interest in operational details.
OM Stakeholder Communication 3
A stakeholder engagement assessment matrix tracks stakeholders from 'unaware' to 'leading.' What is the PRIMARY purpose of this tool?