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Evolutionary psychology offers intriguing possibilities for improving our understanding of behaviour in organisations. In this poster, we present a three-stage model of dispositional differences between individuals derived from an evolutionary survival strategy of diversity within the family of origin. Dispositions are both unconscious and diverse, with up to 50% of that diversity genetically underpinned and a further 40% to 60% attributable to formative years. Dispositions are also largely invisible. The model we present incorporates McClelland's human motives of need for affiliation, need for achievement, and need for power. Evolutionary psychology suggests dispositional differences are substantially formed in childhood because of non-shared environmental influences within families, in an effort to establish an ecological niche. The perception of sibling differences, rather than the quantum of the differences, appears to be important in niche differentiation. Birth-order is one non-shared familial environmental influence that is claimed to be predictive of systematic individual differences, leading in turn to predictable differences in their social motives as adults. These motive differences in turn lead to differences in occupational role preference. Our model is derived from combination of the theoretical bases of evolutionary psychology, developmental psychology, motivational research and career preference, providing a vehicle for new insights. We offer suggestions for a research design that addresses methodological shortcomings of previous birth order research. Three propositions arise from our model, and we discuss implications for theory and research in organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]