Which situation exemplifies role ambiguity?

Role ambiguity occurs when an individual lacks clear information regarding what is expected of them in a particular role. This can lead to uncertainty about responsibilities, performance expectations, and the overall purpose of the position.

The situation where management provides unclear expectations directly illustrates role ambiguity. When employees are not provided with specific guidelines or objectives, they are left uncertain about how to prioritize their tasks or what their ultimate goals should be. This confusion can hinder their ability to perform effectively, as they may not know what is expected of them in their role.

While the other options may involve challenging situations that can affect performance—such as conflicting assignments, inadequate training guidance, or the absence of a timeline for a project—they are not as directly related to the core issue of ambiguity about one’s role. Conflicting assignments and managing without a timeline may introduce complexity or stress, but they don’t inherently create the lack of clear expectations that defines role ambiguity. Similarly, training others without enough guidance may lead to confusion but does not directly relate to a lack of clarity about one’s own role.