Stakeholder Engagement in Scrum

Engaging stakeholders effectively is crucial for the success of any Scrum project. This article discusses who is responsible for stakeholder engagement in Scrum and why this is significant for the PSPO II exam.

Exam Question

Choose the statement that best describes who is responsible for engaging the stakeholders.
(choose the best answer)
A. The Developers are responsible for all stakeholder engagement.
B. The Product Owner is responsible, but engagement can be delegated.
C. The business analyst, since they are the Subject Matter Expert.
D. The project manager schedules all stakeholder interactions.
E. The team manager is responsible for managing the time spent with stakeholders.

Correct Answer

B. The Product Owner is responsible, but engagement can be delegated.

Explanation

Correct Answer

B. The Product Owner is responsible, but engagement can be delegated:
The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. This includes engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback, understand their needs, and communicate the Product Goal. While the Product Owner holds this responsibility, they can delegate tasks related to stakeholder engagement to other team members. However, the accountability remains with the Product Owner.

Incorrect Answers

A. The Developers are responsible for all stakeholder engagement: Developers may interact with stakeholders to gather technical feedback or clarify requirements, but the primary responsibility for stakeholder engagement lies with the Product Owner.

C. The business analyst, since they are the Subject Matter Expert: While a business analyst might provide valuable insights and facilitate communication, the accountability for stakeholder engagement rests with the Product Owner.

D. The project manager schedules all stakeholder interactions: In Scrum, there is no project manager role. The Product Owner schedules and manages stakeholder interactions as part of their responsibility.

E. The team manager is responsible for managing the time spent with stakeholders: The team manager role is not part of Scrum. Stakeholder engagement is managed by the Product Owner.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: The Product Owner is responsible for engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback, understand their needs, and communicate the Product Goal. They may delegate specific engagement activities but remain accountable.
• Scrum Master: The Scrum Master supports the Product Owner by facilitating stakeholder engagement and ensuring that it aligns with Scrum principles.
• Developers: Developers may participate in stakeholder interactions to gather feedback and clarify requirements, but they are not primarily responsible for stakeholder engagement.

Relevance to the PSPO II Exam

Understanding the responsibility for stakeholder engagement is crucial for the PSPO II exam. Candidates need to know that while the Product Owner can delegate tasks, they remain accountable for ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.

Key Takeaways

• The Product Owner is responsible for stakeholder engagement.
• Stakeholder engagement tasks can be delegated, but accountability remains with the Product Owner.
• Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for maximizing product value.

Conclusion

The Product Owner’s responsibility for stakeholder engagement is a critical aspect of their role, ensuring that the product meets stakeholder needs and delivers maximum value. For more information on preparing for the PSPO II exam, visit our PSPO II Exam Prep.