Seite - (000064) - in Knowledge and Networks

55 his famous formula: “ Behavior = Function of person and environment = Function of life-space” (p. 878). “Lewin’s fi eld theory states that it is possible to understand the basis for chang- ing the behavior of individuals and groups by constructing a ‘life space’ comprising the psychological forces infl uencing their behavior at a given point in time” (Burnes & Cooke, 2012a , p. 409). According to Burnes and Cooke ( 2012a ), fi eld theory played a central part in all of Lewin’s work by allowing him to understand the forces that would need to be either strengthened or weakened in order to bring out desired behavior. Burnes and Cooke ( 2012a ) reviewed and reevaluated fi eld theory, arguing that the main reason for the decline of fi eld theory was Lewin’s pursuit of mathe- matical rigor over practical relevance. In psychology, fi eld theory is closely associ- ated with Gestalt psychology. Six fundamental characteristics underpin Lewin’s fi eld theory (Burnes & Cooke, 2012a , p. 411; Lewin, 1943 ): 1. Constructive method: The meaning of any concept is derived from its relation- ship to other concepts. 2. Dynamic approach: Lewin saw equilibrium in social life as a dynamic process where change occurs, but a recognizable form is maintained. 3. Psychological approach: The elements of an individual’s or group’s life space must be based on their perception of their reality at the time rather than seeking to construct it from the objective viewpoint of an observer. 4. Analysis beginning with the situation as a whole: All psychological events are conceived to be a function of the life space. One needs to consider the situation as a whole. 5. Behavior as a function of the fi eld at the time it occurs: The focus is on the behavior of an individual in the “here and now.” Behavior is not caused by some- thing in the past or the future, but is grounded in the totality of the present situation. 6. Mathematical representations of the psychological situation: Lewin maintained that psychology had to represent behavior in mathematical terms. Lewin saw fi eld theory as a way of combining scientifi c rigor and practical rele- vance by offering a rigorous, theory-based method for analyzing behavior and as a practical approach to changing behavior by allowing individuals to understand their actions better. He saw behavior as the product of the environment and of the way in which individuals interpret external stimuli (Burnes & Cooke, 2012a , p. 412). Five of the fundamental principles were derived from Gestalt psychology; the sixth prin- ciple was inspired by Cassirer’s philosophy of science . After Lewin’s death in 1947, his work on group dynamics , action research, and his three-step model of change was taken up by other scholars and became the basis of organizational development (OD). His work on fi eld theory went into decline until the 1990s, when it once again began to attract the attention of scholars and practitioners to behavioral and organizational change (Burnes & Cooke, 2012a , p. 416). There is “a growing recognition of the relevance of Lewin’s work to con- temporary organizational concerns, especially change, ethics and values” (p. 418). 3 Interpersonal Networks in Foreign Assignments and Intercultural Learning Processes