What term describes unclear expectations and diffuse responsibilities in a role?

The term that describes unclear expectations and diffuse responsibilities in a role is role ambiguity. This concept refers to a situation where individuals are unsure about what is expected of them within their position, leading to confusion and uncertainty regarding their tasks and obligations. When expectations are not clearly defined, it can result in challenges for the individual in understanding how to perform their duties effectively.

Role ambiguity can arise from several factors such as poor communication, lack of guidance, or changes in the organization that are not properly conveyed to employees. This uncertainty can lead to decreased job satisfaction, lower performance, and increased stress levels among employees, as they may feel overwhelmed or unsupported.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different aspects of role experiences. Role conflict addresses situations where there are competing demands or incompatible expectations in a role. Role stress refers to the psychological and emotional strain that comes from experiencing pressures within a role. Role strain involves the difficulty an individual may face in fulfilling the responsibilities of their role, which can stem from various internal or external pressures. Each of these concepts offers insights into different challenges faced in a work environment, but role ambiguity specifically targets the lack of clarity in role expectations and responsibilities.