Which stage of the emergent system involves defining roles and responsibilities?

The stage of the emergent system that involves defining roles and responsibilities is the differentiation stage. During this phase, an organization begins to identify and establish specific functions and tasks that team members will undertake to achieve the system's goals effectively. This clarity regarding roles is crucial for ensuring that each member understands their contributions and how they fit within the overall framework of the system.

Differentiation is essential for developing an organized and efficient response to complex problems, enabling teams to work collaboratively while maintaining clear lines of accountability. Distinct roles allow for specialization, where team members can focus on their specific areas of expertise, which enhances productivity and effectiveness.

While the other stages, such as elaboration, standardization, and implementation, focus on different aspects of system development, they do not concentrate on the formal assignment of roles and responsibilities in the same way that differentiation does.