Answering: “For which is the Scrum Master responsible?”

The Scrum Master is responsible for Scrum being adopted and used properly. Managing performance, controlling the team’s objectives and tracking resource allocation are not part of the role.

Exam Question

For which is the Scrum Master responsible? (choose the best answer)

• A. Managing the performance of the Scrum Team.
• B. Properly adopting and using the Scrum framework.
• C. The meetings and the objectives that a Scrum Team sets for itself.
• D. Keeping track of resource allocation.

Correct Answer

B. Properly adopting and using the Scrum framework.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says “The Scrum Master is accountable for establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide.” They do this by helping everyone understand Scrum theory and practice, both within the Scrum Team and across the organization. The Scrum Master is also accountable for the Scrum Team’s effectiveness, which they improve by coaching, teaching and removing impediments. The Guide describes Scrum Masters as true leaders who serve the Scrum Team and the larger organization. That is very different from a manager role. They do not appraise people, own the team’s objectives or allocate resources.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Managing the performance of the Scrum Team. The Scrum Master is not a line manager. Performance management would conflict with self-management.

C. The meetings and objectives the team sets for itself. The team owns its objectives, and the Product Owner and Developers own the Product Goal and Sprint Goal work. The Scrum Master ensures events happen but does not own their outcomes.

D. Keeping track of resource allocation. This is a project or resource management task. Scrum does not assign it to the Scrum Master.

Exam Tip

When asked what the Scrum Master is responsible for, think of establishing Scrum and the team’s effectiveness. Anything that sounds like traditional management belongs elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• The Scrum Master establishes Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide.
• They are accountable for the team’s effectiveness.
• They lead by serving, not by managing performance.