Kurt Lewin
- Born:
- September 9, 1890, Mogilno, Province of Posen, Prussia, German Empire (present-day Poland)
- Died:
- February 12, 1947, Newtonville, Massachusetts, USA
- Nationality:
- German-American
- Profession(s):
- Psychologist, Social Psychologist, Organizational Theorist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Jewish family in Mogilno.
- Earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Berlin in 1914.
- Served in the German army during World War I.
Career and Major Achievements
- Lectured at the University of Berlin.
- Emigrated to the United States in 1933 to escape Nazi persecution.
- Held positions at Cornell University, the University of Iowa, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- Founded the Research Center for Group Dynamics at MIT.
- Pioneered the field of social psychology, particularly in areas such as group dynamics, leadership styles, and action research.
- Developed the concept of "field theory" in psychology.
- His work on leadership styles (authoritarian, democratic, laissez-faire) had a significant impact on management theory.
- Notably known for applying psychological principles to social issues. The influence of the "change model by kurt lewin quotes" showcases his lasting contribution.
Legacy and Impact
Kurt Lewin's research and theories have had a lasting impact on the fields of psychology, organizational behavior, and management. His work continues to be influential in understanding group dynamics, leadership, and planned change. He is considered one of the founders of modern social psychology.
Notable Works
- A Dynamic Theory of Personality (1935)
- Principles of Topological Psychology (1936)
- Resolving Social Conflicts (1948)
- Field Theory in Social Science (1951)