PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

What are ground rules in a team context?

1. Formal documented procedures for project management

2. Unwritten rules that apply to all team members

3. Strict deadlines for deliverables

4. Guidelines for maintaining documentation

The correct answer is: Unwritten rules that apply to all team members

Ground rules in a team context refer to unwritten rules that govern the behavior and interactions of team members. They establish a common understanding of the expectations for conduct, communication, and collaboration within the team. These rules often arise organically as the team works together, reflecting the team's values and helping to create a positive team culture. The emphasis on unwritten rules means that they often focus on the interpersonal dynamics and norms that facilitate effective teamwork. For example, ground rules may cover aspects such as how members should communicate with each other, how decisions are made, and how feedback is given and received. By clarifying these expectations, the team can enhance trust and collaboration, ultimately contributing to more successful outcomes. In contrast, the other options describe more structured or formal approaches. Formal documented procedures for project management and guidelines for maintaining documentation involve standards and processes that are explicitly defined, while strict deadlines for deliverables focus on time management and performance expectations rather than interpersonal relationships. These structured elements are important in their own right, but they do not capture the essence of ground rules, which are fundamentally about the informal agreements that help teams function smoothly.