What is meant by role conflict in the workplace?

Role conflict in the workplace refers to the situation where an individual faces competing demands that pull them in different directions. This often occurs when the expectations of a person's various roles—such as being an employee, a parent, or a student—clash with one another, leading to confusion and stress. For example, a manager might need to prioritize team objectives while simultaneously addressing the needs of individual team members, which can create a conflict between the two sets of responsibilities.

When an employee experiences role conflict, it can hinder their ability to perform effectively, as they may struggle to balance differing priorities or feel pressured to satisfy conflicting expectations. This concept is crucial in understanding workplace dynamics and the impact of overlapping responsibilities on job satisfaction and performance.