Who is accountable for clearly expressing Product Backlog items? (Choose the best Answer)

The Scrum Guide explicitly states that the Product Owner is accountable for effective Product Backlog management. This includes several key activities, one of which is "clearly communicating Product Backlog items." While the Product Owner may delegate the work of writing or refining items to others, such as Developers or a business analyst, the ultimate accountability for their clarity and content remains with the Product Owner. This ensures a single, authoritative source for the work the Scrum Team will undertake.

A: A business analyst may assist, but the accountability cannot be delegated from the Product Owner. C: The Scrum Master is accountable for the process, and Developers for the Increment, not for expressing backlog items. D: The Scrum Master's role is to coach the team and organization in Scrum, not manage the Product Backlog.

1. Schwaber, K., & Sutherland, J. (2020). The Scrum Guide. Scrum.org. p. 6. ("The Product Owner is also accountable for effective Product Backlog management, which includes: ... Clearly communicating Product Backlog items...")

2. Erickson, J., & Dromey, J. (2012). Software Development with Scrum. Addison-Wesley Professional. Chapter 4, "The Product Owner Role". (Details the PO's non-delegable accountability for the Product Backlog.)