Status, Roles, and Role Conflict (8C) Practice Test

Jordan is a resident advisor (RA) in a dorm and is also a student employee supervised by the housing director. The director tells Jordan to document any noise violations formally. A faculty mentor tells Jordan to handle minor issues informally to preserve peer trust. When Jordan hears loud music and recognizes friends inside, Jordan says, “I’m expected to enforce policy and also to maintain peer relationships.” Which situation best exemplifies role conflict?

In a warehouse, Miguel is a floor supervisor responsible for safety compliance. He is also part of a peer leadership group that meets with workers to hear concerns. The plant manager tells Miguel to increase output by shortening safety briefings. Later, workers tell Miguel that skipping briefings makes them feel pressured to take risks and ask him to advocate for longer briefings. Miguel says, “If I push back, I’m not supporting the output goal; if I comply, I’m not representing your concerns.” Which situation best exemplifies role conflict?