Role conflicts occur when participants select incompatible roles for the same decision. These conflicts must be resolved to finalize the decision-making process.

Types of Role Conflicts

1. Explain vs. Consult

• Problem: Both roles are sole decision-making roles, but they differ in how much input they anticipate.
  • Explain: Requires no input from others.
  • Consult: Requires input from others.
• Resolution: Only one person can hold either role. Other participants must adjust their roles to Advise or Abstain.

2. Agree with Explain or Consult

• Problem: Agree roles cannot coexist with Explain or Consult roles because these are sole or collective decision-making roles.
• Resolution: Participants in Agree must either:
  • Move up to Consult, or
  • Move down to Advise or Abstain.

3. Too Many in Agree

• Problem: If more than half the participants select Agree, it can create bottlenecks or difficulties in reaching a decision.
• Resolution: Encourage participants to adjust roles:
  • A smaller subset may move to Consult or Explain to streamline the decision.

4. Non-Participation

• Problem: If someone is in a non-decision-making role (Advise, Accept, or Abstain) for all decisions, it may indicate disengagement or inequity.
• Resolution: Discuss the participant’s role in the team and encourage balanced involvement where appropriate.

5. Decision-Maker on All Items

• Problem: If one person is a decision-maker (Explain, Consult, or Agree) for every decision, it can lead to bottlenecks or burnout.
• Resolution: Balance responsibilities by redistributing roles among participants.

Resolving Conflicts

1. Discuss Roles: Allow participants to explain their selections and consider adjustments.
2. Reassign Roles: Participants must move themselves into compatible roles.
3. Review Final Selections: Ensure there are no remaining conflicts before proceeding.

For more help, visit Resolving Conflicts in Role Selection.