Personality types as predictor of team roles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether personality types are predictors of team roles in order to make recommendations for the use of personality types, in conjunction with team roles, in selection and teambuilding. The study was conducted among 50 professionals and managers in Western Cape organisations. The data was collected by means of the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) and the TearnBuilder Model of Team Roles. Supporting evidence, although not sufficient, indicates that the Extraversion (E) personality type is a positive predictor of the Driving Onward team role and a negative predictor of the Delivering Plans team role. The Introversion (I) personality type is not a predictor of any team role. The Sensing (S) personality type is a negative predictor of the Driving Onward team role and a positive predictor of the Delivering Plans team role. The Intuition (N) personality type is a positive predictor of the Driving Onward team role and a negative predictor of the Delivering Plans team role. The Thinking (T) personality type is a positive predictor of the Controlling Quality team role. The Feeling (F) personality type is not a predictor of any team role. The Judging (J) personality type is a positive predictor of the Planning Ahead team role, and the Perceiving (P) personality type is a negative predictor of the Planning Ahead team role. It can be assumed that the full range of personality types will be a predictor of the full range of team roles, should a larger sample size and geographical sample group be included in the study.