Role Ambiguity, Task Cohesion, and Task Self-Efficacy

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between role ambiguity and both task cohesion (group integration-task and attractions to the group-task) and task efficacy (for offence and defense) in basketball. Ambiguity was operationalized as a multidimensional construct comprising a lack of clear understanding about (a) scope of role responsibilities, (b) behaviors to carry out role responsibilities, (c) how role performance will be evaluated, and (d) the consequences of a failure to discharge role responsibilities. The results showed a high degree of relationship among the four manifestations of role ambiguity. Also, ambiguity concerning scope of responsibilities was inversely related to both measures of task cohesion as well as task efficacy for defense. Task efficacy for offence was predicted for female athletes by ambiguity associated with evaluation of performance and for male athletes by ambiguity associated with evaluation of performance and consequences of not fulfilling responsibilities. Implications of findings and future research are discussed.

[1]  A. Bandura.  Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control , 1997, Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy.

[2]  S. Bray.  Role efficacy within interdependent teams, measurement development and tests of theory , 1998 .

[3]  Joan L. Duda,et al.  Advances in sport and exercise psychology measurement , 1998 .

[4]  Y. Fried,et al.  Supervisors' role conflict and role ambiguity differential relations with performance ratings of subordinates and the moderating effect of screening ability. , 1995 .

[5]  B. Mullen,et al.  The relation between group cohesiveness and performance: An integration. , 1994 .

[6]  Blair T. Johnson,et al.  Gender and Leadership Style: A Meta-Analysis , 1990 .

[7]  W. Wood,et al.  Meta-analytic review of sex differences in group performance. , 1987, Psychological bulletin.

[8]  J. Duda.  Toward a Developmental Theory of Children's Motivation in Sport , 1987 .

[9]  Psychological and Organizational Factors Related to Burnout in Athletic Trainers , 1986 .

[10]  A. Carrón,et al.  The Development of an Instrument to Assess Cohesion in Sport Teams: The Group Environment Questionnaire , 1985 .

[11]  S. Jackson,et al.  A meta-analysis and conceptual critique of research on role ambiguity and role conflict in work settings , 1985 .

[12]  B. Bass.  Team Productivity and Individual Member Competence , 1980 .

[13]  Henry L. Tosi,et al.  Relationship of role conflict and role ambiguity to job involvement measures. , 1974 .

[14]  F. Barone.  The Small Group , 1972 .

[15]  S. Lirtzman,et al.  Role Conflict and Ambiguity in Complex Organizations. , 1970 .

[16]  A. Lott,et al.  Group cohesiveness as interpersonal attraction: a review of relationships with antecedent and consequent variables. , 1965, Psychological bulletin.

[17]  R. Kahn,et al.  Organizational Stress: Studies in Role Conflict and Ambiguity. , 1965 .

[18]  R. Golembiewski,et al.  The small group , 1962 .

[19]  N. Lewis.  A dynamic theory of personality , 1935 .