An Analysis of Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scales: A Replication Study of the Psychometric Properties and an Assessment of the Role of Social Desirability Bias

摘要

Utilizing five diverse samples (N=540), the psychometric properties and role of social desirability response bias were assessed on the role conflict and role ambiguity scales (RCA) developed by Rizzo, House and Lirtzman (1970). In particular, the factor structures, means and standard deviations, internal consistency reliability, and discriminant validity were assessed and found to generally agree with earlier studies reporting positive results on these psychometric properties. However, the analysis of social desirability bias, which was not specifically assessed in previous studies, was found to be present in the role ambiguity (RA) responses, but absent from the role conflict (RC) responses in this study. It is recommended on the basis of the results of this study that the Rizzo et al. scales can be justifiably used to measure role conflict and ambiguity, but that a social desirability measure, such as the Marlowe-Crowne instrument, be included. (Author)