Role conflict occurs when there are incompatible demands placed upon a person relating to their job or position. It happens when there are contradictions between different roles that a person takes on or plays in their everyday life. Role conflict can be something that can be for either a short period of time, or a long period of time, and it can also be connected to situational experiences. There are different types of role conflict, including:

• Inter-role conflict: This exists when two or more roles held by a single person introduce contradictory responsibilities causing the person to struggle.

• Person-role conflict: This arises when an individuals personal values, beliefs, or interests conflict with their roles expectations.

Role conflict can be caused by various factors, such as ambiguity, poor communication of job duties, unclear instructions from a supervisor, inconsistent demands on workers, and overlapping roles. It can lead to tension and conflict between workers and can be a stressor for workers. To manage role conflict, it is important to avoid placing inconsistent demands on workers, ensure that different requirements are as far as possible, and provide clear communication of job duties and expectations.