Planning and managing communication means defining how information will flow through the project and making sure communication supports transparency, collaboration, reporting, and governance. Different stakeholders need different levels of detail, timing, format, and communication channels.
The project manager creates or supports a communication strategy, establishes feedback loops, understands reporting requirements, and creates reports aligned with sponsor and stakeholder expectations. Communication is not only sending information; it is making sure the right people understand the right information at the right time.
Why This Task Matters for PMP® Preparation
PMP® exam scenarios often involve miscommunication, missing reports, stakeholder confusion, lack of transparency, or ineffective communication channels. The best response usually involves tailoring communication to stakeholder needs and establishing feedback.
You should avoid answers that assume one communication method works for everyone. PMI expects project managers to manage communication deliberately, transparently, and in alignment with stakeholder and governance needs.
Enablers of This Task
- Define a communication strategy.
- Promote transparency and collaboration.
- Establish a feedback loop.
- Understand reporting requirements.
- Create reports aligned with sponsors and stakeholder expectations.
- Support reporting and governance processes.
To learn the Plan and Manage Communication task, you need:
- In the PMBOK Guide 8th Edition, read chapter 2.5 (part ‘PMBOK’) and Section 5 (Communication competence, Communication methods, Communication models, Communication requirements analysis, Communication skills, Communication styles assessment, Communication technology).
- Watch the video:
4. Test your knowledge to complete the study of the task.