Kurt Lewin’s Field Theory
Bernard Burnes
‘The recognition of the huge
power of situation, context, priming, and construal is common ground. We are
all Lewinians now, and in the context of policy behavioural economists are
Lewinian as well’ (Kahneman (2013: ix).
Kurt Lewin
(1890–1947) was one of the leading psychologists of his generation. His work provided the foundations of organization
development (OD) and is still considered by many as central to contemporary approaches
to change. An understanding of Lewin’s field
theory is central to understanding his approach to change. Lewin argued that behaviour is derived from
the totality of coexisting and interdependent forces that impinge on a person
or group and make up the field (life space) in which the behaviour takes place.
This seminar will examine the origins, purpose and continuing relevance of
field theory. It especially looks at the influences of Gestalt psychology and topology
on its development. It will be argued that field theory can provide academics
and practitioners with a valuable and much-needed approach to managing behavioural
change.
References
Burnes, B and Cooke, B (2012) Kurt Lewin's Field Theory: A
Review and Re-evaluation. International Journal of Management Reviews,
published online 6 September 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2012.00348.x.
Kahneman, D (2013) Foreword.
In E Shafir (Ed): The Behavioral
Foundations of Public Policy. Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ.
Date and Time: October 30th 2pm - 3pm
Venue: TBA
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