Assigned to deploy a new system, the project manager finds stakeholders disagreeing on objectives and approach. What should the project manager do?

The best approach is to identify the root causes of the disagreement. Disagreements often stem from unstated assumptions, conflicting priorities, or a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. By understanding these underlying issues, the project manager can then work collaboratively with each stakeholder to define clear roles and responsibilities, leading to a shared understanding and agreement. Creating a roles-and-responsibilities matrix from the project charter and asking the sponsor to distribute it might not address the underlying disagreements, as the charter might lack the necessary detail or the stakeholders might still dispute its interpretation. Running scoping workshops to build a WBS and assigning tasks without first resolving the fundamental disagreements will likely lead to continued conflict and resistance. Holding a general stakeholder meeting to review and assign activities without understanding the root causes of the disagreement is unlikely to be effective and could exacerbate tensions.