Role theory
Role theory suggests that the behaviour of individuals depends on other people's expectations of them and how they are supposed to behave in a given situation. This is an important consideration when deciding how best to manage staff.
Definitions and terminology
A role is the expected pattern of behaviours associated with members occupying a particular position within the structure of the organisation.
There are several terms associated with role theory:
- Role signs are visible indications of the role. Style of dress and uniform are clear examples of role signs. These may be voluntary (a male accountant wearing a grey or blue suit and a tie) or mandatory (in military, police and hospital occupations, variations in uniform denote status).
- Role set describes the people who support a lead person in a major role, e.g. the clerk and junior barristers would form part of a senior barrister's role set.
- Role behaviour certain types of behaviour can be associated with a role in an office or works. For instance, the 'crown prince' behaving as if they are heir apparent to a senior position.
Problems with expected patterns of behaviour
Role theory also identifies several problems that these expected patterns of behaviour may cause.
- Role ambiguity arises when individuals are unsure what role they are to play, or others are unclear of that person's role and so hold back co-operation. This can arise, for example, when a new member joins an established group.
- Role conflict arises, when individuals find a clash between differing roles that they have adopted. A company finance officer who uncovers fraud by senior management may feel a conflict between the roles of professional confidentiality and honest citizenship.
- Role incompatibility occurs when individuals experience expectations from outside groups about their role that are different from their own role expectations.
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Created at 8/9/2012 2:13 PM by System Account
(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time : Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
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Last modified at 11/13/2012 5:22 PM by System Account
(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time : Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
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