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PSM I Practice Question

Resolving Scrum Team Conflicts to Ensure Agile Delivery

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Question

A new Developer is having continuing conflicts with existing members of the Scrum Team, which is impacting the delivery of the Increment. If necessary, who is responsible for removing the Developer from the Scrum Team? (choose the best answer)

Answer

  • B. The Scrum Team is responsible.

Explanation

In Scrum, the entire Scrum Team, including the Developers, is responsible for maintaining a collaborative and productive environment. If a conflict arises that affects the team's ability to deliver the Increment, it is the collective responsibility of the Scrum Team to address the issue, which may include deciding to remove a Developer if necessary. This aligns with the principle of self-organization found in Scrum, where teams are empowered to manage their dynamics. The Scrum Master can facilitate this process by supporting the team in resolving conflicts and ensuring that all members adhere to the team's norms and values. Removing a team member should be a last resort and approached with care, emphasizing the need for a healthy team culture.

Expert Author

SC

Sarah Chen

Certified Scrum Master & Agile Coach

Sprint ceremonies, team facilitation, impediment removal

Why Other Options Are Wrong
A. The Scrum Master is responsible. This option is incorrect because while the Scrum Master plays a crucial role in facilitating team dynamics and resolving conflicts, the ultimate responsibility for team composition and interpersonal relationships lies with the entire Scrum Team. The Scrum Master can guide and support but does not have unilateral authority to remove a Developer. C. The Product Owner is responsible. This is also incorrect as the Product Owner focuses on maximizing the value of the product and managing the backlog. They do not directly manage team members or their interactions. D. The organization is responsible. This option misrepresents the Scrum framework, as it centralizes the decision-making power outside the self-managing Scrum Team, undermining the team’s autonomy and accountability.
Real-World Application
In a software development team, a new Developer consistently disagrees with the established coding practices, leading to a drop in team morale and productivity. The Scrum Team holds a retrospective meeting to discuss the issue openly. Everyone shares their perspectives, and the Developer realizes the importance of collaboration. However, if the conflicts persist, the team collectively decides to recommend to management that the Developer be reassigned to another project for the benefit of the team's harmony.
Common Pitfalls
  • Assuming the Scrum Master has the sole authority to resolve team conflicts.
  • Failing to recognize the shared responsibility of the Scrum Team in managing interpersonal issues.
  • Overlooking the importance of team culture in conflict resolution.
  • Believing that removing a team member is always the best solution.

Key Concepts

Self-organization Team dynamics Conflict resolution Empowerment Collaboration

Scrum Guide Reference

Scrum Guide 2020, Section: The Scrum Team

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