Which of the following should the project manager do to resolve the conflict?

Two project team members are assigned to set up new work areas and are disagreeing about the placement of hardware and peripherals at the end users’ desks. The requirements do not specify where to place the items, just what is needed in each space.

Which of the following should the project manager do to resolve the conflict?
A . Send out a survey to the potential end users to gather information about the best functional setup for work productivity.
B . Provide clear instructions based on personal preference and aesthetics for setup of the work areas.
C . Explain to team members that the placement of the items is not too important, as long as everything is connected and working.
D . Facilitate a meeting between team members to review the pros and cons of the different configurations so as to encourage an amicable solution.

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

This answer is based on the best practice of conflict resolution in project management, which is to use a collaborative or problem-solving approach that seeks a win-win outcome for all parties involved12. By facilitating a meeting, the project manager can help the team members communicate effectively, understand each other’s perspectives, and find a mutually acceptable solution that meets the project requirements. This way, the project manager can also maintain team morale and cohesion, and avoid imposing a decision that may cause resentment or dissatisfaction among the team members3.

Reference = CompTIA Project+ Certification Study Guide4, CompTIA Project+ Certification Exam Objectives5, How Do You Handle Conflict in Project Management?1, 7 Strategies for Conflict Resolution in Project Management2, The Conflict Resolution Skills Every Project Manager Needs3