What do the role conflict and role ambiguity scales measure?

Abstract

Two scales developed by J. R. Rizzo et al are frequently used to measure role conflict and role ambiguity in work environments. Inspection of the factor loadings reported by Rizzo et al shows that the 2 factors correspond more closely to a difference in the wording of the items (stress or comfort) than to the conflict/ambiguity difference. ANOVA indicates that the 2 factors represent, respectively, generalized role stress and a combination of role clarity and role comfort. Use of the factor loadings to select items for the scales confounds conflict with stress and ambiguity with discomfort, leaving doubt about the meaning of each scale. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1981 American Psychological Association.