Lewin's Work Research Articles

Yvonne M. Agazarian (1929–2017).

Presents an obituary for Yvonne M. Agazarian (1929-2017). Agazarian was a brilliant theoretician, clinician, and teacher who devoted her life to the development of a theory of living human systems (TLHS) and its systems-centered therapy and training (SCT). Her work is best known in group psychotherapy because her theory integrated general systems theory and Kurt Lewin's work and created a common language to bridge group dynamics and psychoanalysis. Quite uncommonly, she formulated theoretical constructs and operational definitions that translated her theory into methods and techniques so that every intervention tested the validity of the theory and the reliability of its practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

The limitations of dispositional resistance in relation to organizational change

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to test the moderating role of dispositional resistance in achieving sustainable organisational change.Design/methodology/approachFour studies were conducted in the period 2005‐2007. Each study included the participation of individuals experiencing ongoing organisational changes at the time, and was repeated with an independent sample in order to strengthen the meaning of the findings.FindingsThe studies confirmed the assumed positive relationship between benefit of change and commitment to change. Furthermore, two studies confirmed the assumed negative relationship between extent of change and commitment to change, while the other two studies, in contrast to the hypothesis presented, found a positive relationship. Despite the assumptions, with the exception of one study it was not possible to show moderating effects of resistance to change.Research limitations/implicationsThe study casts doubt about resistance to change defined as a disposition and its stability across different contexts. In explaining these results, the authors draw on Lewin's work on resistance to change.Originality/valueThe paper argues that the importance of dispositional resistance is that it predisposes individuals to view change in a particular way, either negatively or positively. However, the level of resistance towards a specific change event will be influenced by other factors, noticeably the organizational context and the way the change is managed. Consequently, the importance of dispositional resistance lies in its ability to influence an organization's readiness for change and to identify the level of resistance it might expect to meet, and thus the approach to change it needs to adopt.

Kurt Lewin's Field Theory: A Review and Re‐evaluation

Field theory was central to Kurt Lewin's work yet, after his death, interest in it declined significantly until the 1990s when a variant, force field analysis, became widely used. This paper examines the origins, purpose and continuing relevance of field theory. It especially looks at the influences of gestalt psychology, topology and Ernst Cassirer's philosophy of science on its development. It argues that Lewin's attempt to replace conventional topology with his own Lewinian mathematics‐based topology in pursuit of scientific rigour resulted in the undermining of its relevance. The paper also compares force field analysis with Lewin's original conception of field theory and shows that it has significant weaknesses in terms of rigour. It concludes that a return to Lewin's original conception of field theory, based on gestalt psychology and conventional topology, can provide academics and practitioners with a valuable and much‐needed approach to managing change.

Generalizing Musical Intervals

Taking David Lewin's work as a point of departure, this essay uses geometry to reexamine familiar music-theoretical assumptions about intervals and transformations. Section 1 introduces the problem of “transportability,” noting that it is sometimes impossible to say whether two different directions—located at two different points in a geometrical space—are “the same” or not. Relevant examples include the surface of the earth and the geometrical spaces representing n-note chords. Section 2 argues that we should not require that every interval be defined at every point in a space, since some musical spaces have natural boundaries. It also notes that there are spaces, including the familiar pitch-class circle, in which there are multiple paths between any two points. This leads to the suggestion that we might sometimes want to replace traditional pitch-class intervals with paths in pitch-class space, a more fine-grained alternative that specifies how one pitch class moves to another. Section 3 argues that group theory alone cannot represent the intuition that intervals have quantifiable sizes, proposing an extension to Lewin's formalism that accomplishes this goal. Finally, Section 4 considers the analytical implications of the preceding points, paying particular attention to questions about voice leading.

Creating positive change in community organizations: A case for rediscovering Lewin

AbstractAs nonprofits, especially those with a community mission, pursue developmental goals, they may benefit from various planning and analytical tools. This article explores an application of Kurt Lewin's planned change model to an assessment and revisioning process undertaken by a community‐based organization, indicating the ongoing usefulness of Lewin's work in the nonprofit sector. Using a case study approach, we examined the actions embarked on by the organization to address decreased funding and client losses. The Lewin model is overlaid to illustrate its value in structuring organizational decision making and development. The model is a three‐step process of unfreezing from old practices, moving and changing the organization into new directions based on formally identified needs, and refreezing into more effective organizational modes. When combined with other standard practices such as strategic planning, Lewin's model provides a practical and theoretically insightful tool for nonprofits wishing to refine their missions and programs and engage in successful organizational change.

Academic Counselling

The study investigates the relationship between cognitive and affective outcomes of the quality of teacher–student interaction at different business schools in Pakistan. As early as 1936, Kurt Lewin recognized that the environment was a determinant of human behaviour and performance. Following Lewin's work, Murray proposed a Needs-Press model in which situational variables found in the environment account for a degree of behavioural variance. Attempts were also made to study situational variables found in the environment that affect the learning process, on the one hand, and students’ professional performance, on the other. A multistage stratified random sampling plan was used to select a sample from business schools at Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Karachi. Stratification was done first at the ownership level, where the two strata consist of public and private sector schools. At the second stage, three strata were made according to the students’ background, where students coming from English-medium schools, semi-English-medium schools and vernacular-medium schools were placed in three strata. In the third stage, the stratification was done on a gender basis. In the final stage, students were selected using systematic sampling. Such a multi-stage stratification plan permitted us to do an in-depth analysis of the whole process of teacher–student interaction. The study identifies the types of interactions that are most likely to enhance students’ progress in business administration courses. It also identifies the important factors inhibiting or encouraging, teacher–student interaction. Further, it provides suggestions to enhance this interaction process.

Pleading for Alternative Research Paradigms: Some Critical Comments on Bengt-Åke Wennberg and Monica Hane's Article on Lewin's Heritage

Abstract While attempting to participate in the authors' stream of reasoning, I will elaborate on some critical issues in the development of a new research paradigm.2 After reviewing the general premises of the authors, I will comment on their research praxis. Finally, I will summarize some conclusions on alternative research paradigms that would comply with high quality standards. When I start reading an article that interests me, such as “Kurt Lewin's Heritage: A Possible Breakthrough?” I usually attempt to follow the stream of thoughts and arguments of the author(s), connect and compare them with my own knowledge, and let myself be surprised by new thoughts and ideas—in short, I try to participate in the authors' world of thoughts. This is particularly the case when the title of the article touches a topic in which I have been engaged for decades in doing praxis development and research in the fields of therapy, counseling, and education, attempting to develop and establish paradigmatic changes in the established research approaches.3 I must admit, though, that I am not familiar with Lewin's work in great detail, although I have studied him as an important basis for the theory of the Gestalt approach and for alternative research paradigms. I heartily agree with the tenor of the article that there is far too little participation of those investigated in the field of research, and I am convinced that research, in Gestalt therapy in particular, should emphasize new approaches to research, especially the principle of participation. I also endorse the authors' proposition that gaining knowledge (through research) in a holistic way is a very active process that embraces many more aspects than the traditional (behavioral) “learning theory.” And I am equally convinced that these participative and active processes of researchers and learners alike may activate a great deal of creative potential that usually remains unused in most activities in our educational institutions, from the primary school to universities and continuing education for adults. Although I very much sympathize with these basic ideas, which I, too, have tried to realize in my daily praxis and research with more or less degrees of success, I stumble on many assertions and statements by the authors so that in the end, I desperately fall flat on my face. But, like a roly-poly toy, I stand up again, flying the flag for alternative research paradigms with a high level of participation and high quality standards, as I think that they are desperately needed for Gestalt and other humanistic and integral approaches in our professional fields. I will provide a few of many examples of those stumbling blocks in reference to the authors' general premises and their concept of participatory research, and finish by trying to draft some criteria for the proceedings and methodologies of alternative paradigms—which I believe would not have met with Kurt Lewin's resistance, by and large.

Kurt Lewin and the Planned Approach to Change: A Re‐appraisal

abstract The work of Kurt Lewin dominated the theory and practice of change management for over 40 years. However, in the past 20 years, Lewin's approach to change, particularly the 3‐Step model, has attracted major criticisms. The key ones are that his work: assumed organizations operate in a stable state; was only suitable for small‐scale change projects; ignored organizational power and politics; and was top‐down and management‐driven. This article seeks to re‐appraise Lewin's work and challenge the validity of these views. It begins by describing Lewin's background and beliefs, especially his commitment to resolving social conflict. The article then moves on to examine the main elements of his Planned approach to change: Field Theory; Group Dynamics; Action Research; and the 3‐Step model. This is followed by a brief summary of the major developments in the field of organizational change since Lewin's death which, in turn, leads to an examination of the main criticisms levelled at Lewin's work. The article concludes by arguing that rather than being outdated or redundant, Lewin's approach is still relevant to the modern world.

Recognizing ourselves: ceremonies of lesbian and gay commitment

In April 1993, as part of March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, hundreds of couples participated in the Wedding, a symbolic commitment ceremony held in front of Internal Revenue Service building. Part protest and part affirmation of devotion, event was a reminder that marriage rights have become a major issue among lesbians and gay men, who cannot marry legally and can only claim domestic partner rights in a few locations in United States. Yet despite official lack of recognition, same-sex wedding ceremonies have been increasing in frequency over past decade. Ellen Lewin, who has consecrated her own lesbian relationship with a commitment ceremony, decided to explore myriad ways in which lesbians and gay men create meaningful ceremonies for themselves. She offers first comprehensive account of lesbian and gay weddings in modern America. A series of richly detailed profiles-the result of extensive interviews and participation in planning and realization of many of these commitment rituals-is woven together to show how new traditions, and ultimately new families, are emerging within contemporary America. Just as book is a moving portrait of same-sex couples today, it is also a significant political document on a new arena in struggle for lesbian and gay rights. In a larger sense, Lewin's work is about politics surrounding same-sex marriages and ramifications for central dimensions of American culture such as kinship, community, morality, and love. Lewin explores ceremonies themselves, which range from traditional church weddings to Wicca rituals in countryside, with portraits of planning, joys, and anxieties that led up to weddings. She introduces Bob and Mark, a leather fetishist couple who sanctified their love by legally changing their last names and exchanging vows in tuxedos, leather bow ties, and knee-high police boots. In an equally absorbing profile, Lewin describes Khadija, from a working-class black family deeply suspicious of whites (and especially Jews) and Shulamith, raised in a Zionist household. She tells of how two women struggled to reconcile their widely disparate upbringings and how they ultimately combined elements of African and Jewish traditions in their wedding. These, among many other stories, make Recognizing Ourselves a vivid tapestry of lesbian and gay life in post-Stonewall United States.

Planned change: Kurt Lewin's legacy

Discusses German‐born psychologist Kurt Lewin's work in the field of organizational development and change and how he influenced those two. Pinpoints two of his ideas ‐ a force field and change as a three‐point process, and examines these in detail. States there is much still to be obtained from Lewin's ideas ‐ especially with regard to motivation of people.

From Social Psychology: What?

Decades ago, Kurt Lewin and his students conceived of dynamic interpersonal (between people) processes to account for behavior. This work initiated the field of group dynamics and indeed much of social psychology, and inspired the initial extrapolations to counseling, conceived of as a process that occurred between counselors and clients. Mainstream social psychology has shifted to a focus on intrapersonal (within people) processes. Thus, as is apparent in the papers in this special issue, translations of currently popular social psychological concepts do not address interpersonal counseling processes. Developments akin to Lewin 's work that address the interpersonal processes of counseling are occurring at the fringe, not in the mainstream, of social psychology.

Discontinuities in Kurt Lewin's psychology of work : conceptual and cultural shifts between his german and american research / Les psychologies du travail, allemande et américaine, de Kurt Lewin : ruptures conceptuelles et culturelles

MEL VAN ELTEREN DISCONTINUITIES IN KURT LEWIN'S PSYCHOLOGY OF WORK : CONCEPTUAL AND CULTURAL SHIFTS BETWEEN HIS GERMAN AND AMERICAN RESEARCH This paper focuses on the specific variant of psychology of work first put forward by Kurt Lewin in the 1920s in Germany and then contrasts it with Lewin's work conducted in the late 1930s in the American industrial setting, after his flight from Nazi Germany in 1933. Two central questions are raised : Did Lewin's approach comprise an adequate theoretical framework for studying the problematics of the actual work process ? And to what extent did this perspective constitute a control device for management ? After an overview of Lewin' s activities within this field, both in his Berlin period and his American years, a critical analysis of his approach of action research in American industry is given. Taking an emancipatory perspective on the psychosocial sciences, this would lead to a generally negative appraisal of Lewinian action research in industrial settings, concerning its coexisting "democratic*' and manipulative tendencies. In this respect, a discontinuity is discerned in comparison with his earlier Berlin-period ideas about the psychology of work. In addition, suggestions are given for a more adequate conceptualization and research strategy regarding the study of the work process.

Kurt Lewin in retrospect--a psychiatrist's view.

Kurt Lewin's work opened to experimental study a realm of human functioning that was essentially ignored by the experimental psychology of his time: the interactions of cognitions, affects, and behavior. Contributing to this achievement was his remarkable ingenuity in devising experiments applicable to “real-life” phenomena, based on a conceptual scheme which placed significant determinants in the directly observable and manipulatable interaction of the person with the immediate environment. Also important was his definition of a fact as anything that has effects, thereby circumventing irrelevant metaphysical issues. From the standpoint of individual and group psychotherapy, his concepts of action research, group dynamics, level of aspiration, and personality structure of the mentally deficient are pertinent and may have had considerable influence, although indirect and largely unacknowledged.

Kurt Lewin's View of Social Psychology: The Crisis of 1977 and the Crisis of 1927

The issue raised by the "historical" view of social psychology were discussed by Lewin as early as 1927. Lewin sharply separates historical and systematic analysis of psychological events. His distinction between "historical-geographic" concepts and "conditional-genetic" concepts is examined. Perhaps surprisingly, Lewin supports many of the views of the "historians," while rejecting their conclusion that laws are impossible. Lewin argues that lawful concepts are concrete, real, content-full and re fer to potentialities. They include feedback loops, values, and perceptual-cognitive variables and apply to unique events. Lewin's work is placed in a neo-Kantian tradition which con trasts with our dominant tradition which is based on Hume and Locke. This Lockean-Humean world view may be the source of much of our current frustration.

The Processes of Re-Education: An Assessment of Kurt Lewin's Views

Kurt Lewin's work as a pioneering student of basic and applied psychology is placed in its theoretical, historical, and biographical contexts. The ten principles of re-education that Lewin, along with Grabbe, articulated in 1945 are then sys tematically reviewed and criticized in the light of major developments in training (and in planned change more generally) through the twenty-five years of experi ence and experimentation following their original publication. The piece thus provides at one and the same time an assessment and illumination of Lewin's theories and of recent and current trends in training theory, methodology, and practice in America.

Motivation, Emotional Responses, Maturation, Intelligence, and Individual Differences

THE PROBLEM of motivation involves definite theory whether explicit or implicit. Illustrative of the building of a theoretical position by experimental procedure is the report by Coghill (269). Summarizing work on the correlation of structure and function in the development of behavior, he discussed the implications of the concepts of individuation and integration for the problem of motivation as it operates in connection with instinct, psychopathology, and personality growth. A symposium on the Law of Effect, participated in by Carr, Dashiell, Thorndike, and others (307), presented the viewpoints of leading workers in this field (see Chapter I). The influence of Lewin's work is to be found in experimentation on the incompleted task by Marrow (315), in the relation of this view to the goalgradient hypothesis by Hull (292), and in the work on the influence of barriers by Wright (381). Lewin himself expounded the importance of the relation of expectation and aspiration to success and failure as a neglected factor in motivation, and, in collaboration with Lippitt (308), described the observational procedures employed in investigating autocratically and democratically controlled child groups in which individual and group motivation were significant factors.