Behaviour in teams: exploring occupational and gender differences

Research was carried out with 185 respondents (general managers and senior doctors) who had completed the Belbin Team Role Self Perception Inventory. The purpose was to determine any differences in perceived team‐role behaviour which might be associated with occupation and gender. The research found that two team‐role clusters emerged, with doctors significantly more likely to fall into one and managers significantly more likely to fall into the other. Doctors were more often associated with roles focused on the team and achievement of the task, while managers were more often associated with leadership roles and an external focus. The research also found significant differences between men and women on two of the team‐role types, women showing preference for the more intellectual roles within teams.