Who or what limits the authority of the Product Owner in Scrum?

The authority of the Product Owner in Scrum is characterized by their responsibility to maximize the value of the product and effectively manage the Product Backlog. In Scrum, the role of the Product Owner is designed to empower them to make decisions regarding the product direction, priorities, and requirements without external limitations. This autonomy enables the Product Owner to act in the best interests of the stakeholders and the product itself.

While there might be organizational policies or team dynamics that can influence how a Product Owner operates, fundamentally, there is no inherent limitation imposed by the Scrum framework itself on the Product Owner's authority. Each Product Owner has the opportunity to gather input from stakeholders, collaborate with the development team, and make informed decisions independently. This leeway fosters a responsive and adaptive approach, allowing for rapid iterations and adjustments based on stakeholder feedback and market demands.

This empowerment is critical for the success of the Scrum framework, as it ensures that the product remains aligned with customer needs and organizational goals without being bogged down by unnecessary approvals or interventions.