Micheal,

A requirement is what is laid out on paper for the project, but the expectation could be very different.

If you've ever tried to design a website for someone, you have experienced this. They will give you the technical requirements of what they want it to have, but everytime you present it to them, they say it's not what they wanted. It's important to understand the expectations of a stakeholder, and then negotitate the expectations into realistic requirements.

Hi Michael,

I agree with Harry, and I’d add that requirements are what stakeholders explicitly communicate and can be documented and verified, while expectations are often unstated but still crucial for stakeholder satisfaction.

As a project manager, part of your job is to uncover those hidden expectations through effective communication and active listening — that’s why we say PM work is 90% communication!

-Elena

Michael,

A requirement is fundamentally different from an expectation.

Requirements must be satisfied in order for a project to be accepted/completed. (Example: The "on" light must be green.)

An expectation is more what the stakeholder "thinks" the project will look when completed or how the project is performed. (Example: "I thought you were going to put the "on" light next to the switch")

Clearly, project requirements must be clearly communicated between the stakeholders. That is usually done at the early stages of the project. Managing stakeholder expectations is done throughout the project.

Trying to understand why PMBOK makes a distinction between stakeholder requirements and expectations. Aren’t both just inputs from stakeholders that shape the project?

Is it just a matter of what’s formally captured vs what’s assumed? Or is there more to it in terms of how you manage each? Appreciate any clarity.