Having one Product Owner makes it clear who is accountable for product value, who orders the Product Backlog and who makes decisions quickly. It is not about convenience for stakeholders or vacation cover.
Exam Question
Why is it important that there is only one Product Owner per product?
(choose the best three answers)
A. It is clear who is accountable for the ultimate value of the product.
B. The Scrum Team always knows who determines the order of the Product Backlog.
C. It would confuse the stakeholders if they had to work with more than one person.
D. It helps avoid barriers to effective communication and rapid decision-making.
E. The Scrum Master knows who acts as their backup while on vacation.
Correct Answer
A, B and D.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide states “The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team” and “The Product Owner is one person, not a committee.” One person means no ambiguity about who owns value (A) and who orders the Product Backlog (B). It also means the Scrum Team and stakeholders know exactly who to talk to, which removes waiting for agreement among several decision-makers (D). The Guide adds that “For Product Owners to succeed, the entire organization must respect their decisions,” which is far easier when there is a single, clear decision-maker.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
C. Stakeholders would be confused by more than one person. This may happen, but it is a side effect, not the reason. The main reasons are accountability and fast decisions.
E. The Scrum Master knows who backs them up on vacation. The Product Owner is not a backup for the Scrum Master. The two accountabilities are separate.
Exam Tip
When the question asks “why” for a Scrum rule, pick answers about accountability, transparency and decision speed. Answers about comfort or convenience are weaker.
Key Takeaways
- One Product Owner means clear accountability for value.
- The team always knows who orders the Product Backlog.
- A single decision-maker speeds up decisions.
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