Convenience

Role Ambiguity
Role ambiguity
arises when the sent role is unclear. If your
instructor tells you to write a term paper but refuses to provide more information,
you will probably experience role ambiguity. You do not know what the topic is, how
long the paper should be, what format to use, or when the paper is due. In work set-
tings, role ambiguity can stem from poor job descriptions, vague instructions from a
supervisor, or unclear cues from coworkers. The result is likely to be a subordinate
Expected
role
Sent
role
Perceived
role
Enacted
role
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F I G U R E 1 3 . 3
The Development of a Role
Roles and role structures within a group generally evolve through a series of role
episodes. The first two stages of role development are group processes, as the
group members let individuals know what is expected of them. The other two parts
are individual processes, as the new group members perceive and enact their roles.
role
The part an
individual plays in a
group that helps the
group reach its goals
role structure
The set of defined
roles and
interrelationships
among those roles
that the group
members define and
accept
role ambiguity
Arises when the
sent role is unclear
and the individual
does not know what is
expected of him or her
402
Part 4:
Leading
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who does not know what to do. Role ambiguity can be a significant problem for both
the individual who must contend with it and the organization that expects the
employee to perform.