Which role is responsible for ensuring the Scrum process is followed?

The Scrum Master holds the key responsibility for ensuring that the Scrum process is followed. This includes fostering an understanding of Scrum practices, principles, and values among the Scrum Team and the organization. The Scrum Master's role is to coach the team in adhering to the Scrum framework, facilitating Scrum events, and removing any impediments that may hinder the team’s progress.

In addition, the Scrum Master serves as a servant leader, promoting a collaborative environment that encourages self-organization and accountability. They work to protect the team from outside interruptions and distractions that can disrupt the flow of their work. By focusing on adherence to the Scrum process, the Scrum Master helps ensure that the team is not just working hard but is also working effectively within the framework, which ultimately leads to the delivery of high-quality increments of product.

The other roles within the Scrum framework - Product Owner, Development Team, and Stakeholders - have their own important responsibilities, but they do not hold the primary accountability for the adherence to the Scrum process. The Product Owner focuses on maximizing the value of the product and managing the Product Backlog, while the Development Team is responsible for delivering the product increment. Stakeholders provide input and feedback but are not directly involved in ensuring Scrum practices are followed within the team.