Abstract
M.Inf.
Belbin's team role theory is a popular team building tool. This study aims to establish whether
Belbin's theory can be meaningfully applied to an information service enterprise. Belbin's
team role theory is explained and its uniqueness, when compared with similar theories such
as Margerison and McCann's team role theory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, is
highlighted. Belbin's theory is then applied to a team in the Unisa Library to evaluate how the
'end-user', the trainee, views the value of this team role theory. Their views are then
evaluated using a research/evaluation questionnaire. The findings are discussed and the
conclusion is reached that Belbin's team role theory can be meaningfully applied in an
information service enterprise. The feedback of the respondents indicates that they were
satisfied with the accuracy and truthfulness of the results and that they were of the opinion
that their team roles reflected their personalities rather than their values and culture. For them
the main value lies in the renewed self-insight and increased self-confidence gained from the
exercise. They also indicated its potential for improved cooperation and problem solving
within team context. Furthermore they were confident that the team roles could be used when
the reengineering plan is implemented in the Unisa Library. Finally it is recommended that
team building needs to form an integral part of the reengineering implementation process.
With regard to team development the need to focus on the 'task', 'team', 'individual' and the
'organisational context' is emphasised.