Social Shared Source: A Key Communication and Stakeholder Strategy
PMBOK v8 Definition
Social Shared Source refers to the collaborative generation of information, decisions, and solutions through collective input from stakeholders, team members, and other relevant parties. It encompasses the principles of shared ownership (PMBOK v8, pp. 86, 92) and shared understanding (PMBOK v8, p. 86), where knowledge and accountability are distributed across the project community. This approach leverages social influences (PMBOK v8, p. 120) and sideward influence (PMBOK v8, p. 201) to build consensus and drive project outcomes through participatory engagement.
Why It Matters for the Exam
Social Shared Source appears frequently in PMI exam questions related to communications management and stakeholder engagement, particularly in scenarios testing the difference between directive communication and collaborative knowledge creation. You will encounter this concept in situational questions about building stakeholder buy-in, managing distributed teams, and selecting appropriate communication methods. The exam tests your ability to recognize when to use shared ownership versus when directive approaches are necessary.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Core Principle: Social Shared Source is built on shared ownership (86, 92) and shared understanding (86)—not just information distribution
- Primary Objective: Creates collective accountability for project outcomes through participatory decision-making
- Key Influence Type: Uses sideward influence (201) rather than top-down authority to drive alignment
- Communication Method: Requires open communication (86) and social computing communication (152) for effective collaboration
- Common Application: Used in stakeholder analysis (199-200) and engagement strategies (68-69, 72, 73, 75)
- Critical Success Factor: Social awareness (177, 178) and social skills (178) are essential for project managers implementing this approach
- Exam Trap Alert: Social Shared Source is NOT the same as information broadcasting—it requires active participation and co-creation
Typical PMI Exam Example
A project manager is leading a cross-functional team developing a new product. Stakeholders have conflicting requirements. The project manager organizes collaborative workshops where all parties contribute to defining scope priorities. This approach creates shared ownership of the final scope decisions and builds shared understanding across the team. What communication strategy is being applied? Answer: Social Shared Source.
PMI Exam Traps
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Trap: Confusing Social Shared Source with simple information distribution
- Reality: Social Shared Source requires active co-creation and collaboration, not one-way communication
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Trap: Assuming Social Shared Source replaces all formal documentation
- Reality: It complements formal processes but does not eliminate the need for documented agreements and approvals
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Trap: Thinking Social Shared Source is only for internal team communication
- Reality: It applies to all stakeholders, including external parties, suppliers, and customers
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Trap: Confusing shared ownership (86, 92) with abdication of project manager responsibility
- Reality: The project manager retains accountability while distributing ownership of decisions and outcomes
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Stakeholder Analysis (199-200) | Input to | Social Shared Source relies on understanding stakeholder interests to facilitate collaboration |
| Shared Ownership (86, 92) | Core component | The exam tests whether you recognize shared ownership as the foundation of Social Shared Source |
| Shared Understanding (86) | Output of | Social Shared Source produces alignment and common comprehension across the project |
| Open Communication (86) | Enabler | Without open communication, Social Shared Source cannot function effectively |
| Sideward Influence (201) | Key technique | Tests your ability to distinguish lateral influence from hierarchical authority |
Quick Review Questions
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A project manager wants to build consensus among stakeholders with competing interests. Which communication approach leverages Social Shared Source principles?
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What is the relationship between shared ownership and shared understanding in the context of Social Shared Source?
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In which PMI knowledge area would Social Shared Source most commonly be applied during stakeholder engagement?
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A project team uses collaborative decision-making to define project priorities. What type of influence is primarily being used?
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How does social awareness (177, 178) support effective implementation of Social Shared Source?
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 3.2.3 - Social and Collaborative Tools (pp. 57, 86, 92, 152, 177-178, 201-203)