Study PSM I Scrum Accountabilities and Self-Management: key concepts, common traps, and exam decision cues.
The Scrum Team is self-managing, but that does not mean accountabilities blur together. PSM I often tests whether you can preserve both ideas at the same time: the team manages its work, while each accountability still has a distinct purpose.
| Accountability | Stronger purpose | Common weak reading |
|---|---|---|
| Product Owner | maximize value and manage the Product Backlog | project coordinator or approval clerk |
| Scrum Master | enable Scrum, coach the team, and help remove impediments | team secretary or delivery manager |
| Developers | create a usable Increment each Sprint | task executors waiting for assignments |
| Scrum Team | self-manage work, plans, and internal responsibilities | committee that shares every decision equally |
Self-management means the Scrum Team decides how to turn Product Backlog items into a usable Increment and how to organize internal work. It does not mean the Product Owner gives up backlog accountability, or the Scrum Master stops teaching Scrum, or Developers decide product value priorities on their own.
A stakeholder wants to assign tasks directly to individual Developers and bypass Sprint Planning because it feels faster. The stronger answer protects self-management: the stakeholder may clarify needs, but the Scrum Team decides how work is selected and organized within Scrum.
Which statement best reflects self-management in Scrum?
A. The Scrum Team decides how to accomplish its work while preserving clear accountabilities
B. The Scrum Master assigns work because the team needs coordination
C. Developers may reorder the Product Backlog when technical dependencies appear
D. The Product Owner chooses task ownership during the Sprint to protect value
Best answer: A
Why: Scrum Teams self-manage the work of creating value, but Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers still keep distinct accountabilities.
Why the others are weaker: B, C, and D all shift Scrum away from its actual accountability model.