What is meant by role overload?

Role overload occurs when an individual faces too many demands and responsibilities that exceed their capacity to manage them effectively. This situation can lead to stress, decreased productivity, and ultimately burnout, as the individual struggles to meet all of the competing expectations. It differs significantly from other concepts related to role within an organization. For example, an absence of clear role definitions can lead to confusion but does not directly imply an overload of tasks. Similarly, a lack of responsibility in a group relates to accountability issues rather than the volume of tasks assigned. Feeling underqualified for a role pertains to an individual’s confidence and capability rather than the quantity of tasks they are expected to handle. Thus, role overload specifically highlights the challenges arising from excessive demands on a person's time and resources.