Role ambiguity may lead to which outcome for workers?

Role ambiguity refers to a situation where an employee lacks clarity regarding their job responsibilities, expectations, and what is required to succeed in their role. This uncertainty can lead to diffuse responsibilities and unclear expectations, resulting in confusion about how to prioritize tasks and meet performance standards.

When workers experience role ambiguity, they may struggle to understand what is expected of them, leading to stress and decreased productivity. Instead of having a clear direction, they might find themselves working on tasks that do not align with their job description or organization's goals, contributing to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction. Consequently, the lack of clarity impacts their ability to perform effectively and can hinder overall workplace performance.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes that are unlikely to arise from role ambiguity. For instance, increased job satisfaction and improved career advancement opportunities are generally associated with well-defined roles and expectations. Additionally, clear identification of personal goals is typically facilitated by an understanding of one’s role and its alignment with organizational objectives. Therefore, the outcome of diffuse responsibilities and uncertain expectations accurately reflects the implications of role ambiguity for workers.