blurred responsibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blurred responsibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the roles or duties of individuals are not clearly defined, leading to confusion or overlap. Example: "In our team, the blurred responsibilities between departments have led to misunderstandings and delays in project completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The dual-regulation model in which the Rail Regulator and the Strategic Rail Authority SRAA) divide up responsibility for controlling the industry has led, the paper notes, to personal conflicts and blurred responsibilities.

The Economist

To be fair, its powers were diminished when even Fairhead criticised its "blurred responsibilities" a year ago.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At times where there was a regular overlap of rostered shift time for the off-coming and on-coming clinicians (30 min for the obstetric doctors and up to 2 h in the case of midwives handing over in the middle of the day), this was seen either as a period of shared or blurred responsibility and accountability until the off-coming clinician went home.

BMJ Open

Recent empirical evidence suggests that decentralization challenges the stakes of democratic control by blurring responsibility attribution between levels of government.

Electoral Studies

"Gathering together staff in a dedicated team might well run the risk of blurring their responsibilities". The legal framework for protecting children was basically sound.

The Guardian

Nash suggested that work developing so-called "automatic target recognition" was already blurring the responsibilities between the task of the machine and its human controllers.

The Guardian

Among the Bedouin, lines of protection for in-group members were clearly drawn; in Mecca, sedentarization and socioeconomic stratification had begun to blur family responsibilities and foster the growth of an oligarchy whose economic objectives could easily supersede other motivations and values.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Darek Urbaniak, a campaigner on extractive industries for Friends of the Earth Europe, in Belgium, said the number of countries with maritime claims in the Mediterranean and the lack of well-established borders could blur cleanup responsibilities in case of a spill.

The New York Times

For example, the long life of CO2 in the atmosphere raises philosophically and politically difficult questions about historical responsibility for climate change, just as the importing and exporting of goods blurs responsibility for contemporary emissions.

The Guardian

The judge's decision was a model of common sense and a rebuke to the partisan misreading of Florida statutes by Ms. Harris, who has blurred her twin responsibilities as chief arbiter of the state's election laws and her role as a Bush supporter.

The New York Times

A study on surgical staff within the US National Institutes of Health points out that two significant factors causing critical incidents were "blurred boundaries of responsibility" and "distorted or inhibited communication" [10].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational structure, clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid "blurred responsibilities". Use specific language to outline who is accountable for what.

Common error

Avoid the trap of assuming that if everyone is responsible, no one is truly accountable. "Blurred responsibilities" often lead to inaction. Instead, clarify individual roles even in collaborative projects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blurred responsibilities" typically functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation where duties or accountabilities are not clearly defined. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears in contexts discussing organizational structure, project management, and ethical considerations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blurred responsibilities" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe situations where duties and accountabilities lack clear definition. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academia. To avoid the negative consequences of "blurred responsibilities", it's crucial to implement clear role definitions, such as using a RACI matrix. Alternatives like "unclear duties" or "ill-defined roles" can be used depending on context. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can communicate more effectively and contribute to clearer, more accountable environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear duties

Emphasizes the lack of clarity regarding specific tasks.

ill-defined roles

Focuses on the ambiguity of roles within a system or organization.

ambiguous accountabilities

Highlights the uncertainty in who is responsible for specific outcomes.

diffuse duties

Indicates that duties are spread out and not clearly assigned.

overlapping functions

Stresses the duplication or merging of functions, leading to confusion.

vague obligations

Implies that the responsibilities are not precisely stated or understood.

indistinct mandates

Highlights a lack of clarity in the assigned authority or purpose.

confused lines of authority

Focuses on the uncertainty in the hierarchy and decision-making process.

mixed roles

Underlines a situation where individuals or entities perform multiple, potentially conflicting roles.

intertwined obligations

Highlights the complex and inseparable nature of different responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I clarify "blurred responsibilities" in my team?

Implement a RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to clearly define roles for each task or project. This ensures everyone understands their specific duties and reduces ambiguity.

What are the consequences of having "blurred responsibilities" in a project?

"Blurred responsibilities" can lead to duplicated efforts, missed deadlines, lack of accountability, and overall project inefficiency. It's crucial to define roles clearly from the outset.

What can I say instead of "blurred responsibilities"?

You can use alternatives like "unclear duties", "ill-defined roles", or "ambiguous accountabilities" depending on the context.

How do "blurred responsibilities" affect team performance?

"Blurred responsibilities" hinder team performance by creating confusion, increasing conflict, and diminishing individual ownership. Clear roles are essential for a high-performing team.