Answering: “The Product Owner is the person who will be held accountable if a product does not achieve its goals or deliver value. Does this mean that the Product Owner has final say over the Definition of Done?” (PSPO I)

No. The Scrum Team creates the Definition of Done when the organization has no standard for it, and the Product Owner is one member of that team. Being accountable for value does not give the Product Owner sole control over quality.

Exam Question

The Product Owner is the person who will be held accountable if a product does not achieve its goals or deliver value. Does this mean that the Product Owner has final say over the Definition of Done?
(choose the best answer)
A. Yes, the Product Owner decides the Definition of Done. The Developers may be consulted.
B. No, the Scrum Team decides the Definition of Done, if it is not a standard of the organization. The Product Owner is just one member of the Scrum Team.

Correct Answer

B. No, the Scrum Team decides the Definition of Done, if it is not a standard of the organization. The Product Owner is just one member of the Scrum Team.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says “If the Definition of Done for an increment is part of the standards of the organization, all Scrum Teams must follow it as a minimum. If it is not an organizational standard, the Scrum Team must create a Definition of Done appropriate for the product.” The Product Owner brings the view of what quality the product and its users need. The Developers bring knowledge of what it takes technically to reach that quality. Both views matter, which is why the whole Scrum Team decides. The Product Owner’s accountability for value covers the Product Backlog, not the quality standard.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Yes, the Product Owner decides and may consult the Developers. The Scrum Guide gives the Definition of Done to the Scrum Team, not to the Product Owner alone. Consulting is weaker than creating it together.

Exam Tip

When a question links Product Owner accountability for value to control over another artifact or standard, it is usually a trap. The Product Owner owns the Product Backlog only.

Key Takeaways

• The organization may set a minimum Definition of Done.
• Otherwise the Scrum Team creates it.
• Product Owner accountability for value does not extend to defining quality alone.