SummaryThis study is concerned with the roles of doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers in psychiatric hospitals, as perceived by members of these occupations. Fifty-one respondents from three psychiatric hospitals were interviewed. Information was sought concerning the ways respondents evaluate (a) occupational importance, (b) occupational competence and (c) inter-group contacts. Most respondents regarded the occupational importance of psychiatrists as being higher than that of the non-medical occupations. There was, however, disagreement among the various groups regarding their specific roles and areas of occupational competence. Existing inter-group contacts were evaluated as much less satisfactory by non-medical staff than by psychiatrists.