ill-defined duties
[/ɪl dɪˈfaɪnd ˈduːtiz/]
noun phrase
deveres mal definidos
1. responsibilities or obligations that lack clear boundaries, specifications, or explicit instructions, making it difficult for a person to understand what is expected of them
The employee struggled with her role due to ill-defined duties that changed weekly without proper documentation.
A funcionária teve dificuldade em seu cargo devido aos deveres mal definidos que mudavam semanalmente sem documentação apropriada.
2. tasks or functions in a job position that are vague, ambiguous, or not clearly delineated in a job description or contract
The manager was frustrated by the ill-defined duties assigned to the new department, leading to confusion and overlap.
O gerente ficou frustrado com os deveres mal definidos atribuídos ao novo departamento, causando confusão e sobreposição.
In both Brazilian and American corporate cultures, ill-defined duties are a common source of workplace frustration and conflict. In Brazil, where hierarchical structures are often more pronounced, unclear duties can create tension between employees and management. In the USA, particularly in startups and informal organizations, ill-defined duties may be accepted as part of a flexible work environment, though they can still lead to burnout and role confusion. This phrase is frequently used in HR discussions, job performance reviews, and organizational development initiatives.
Related Idioms & Phrases
a moving target (when duties constantly change)
playing it by ear (when working with unclear expectations)
reading between the lines (trying to understand implied duties)
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