Lewin's field theory

For many years behaviorism was the theory used by psychologists to explain human behavior in certain situations. This theory states that the behavior is a reaction caused by certain stimuli; however, this theory left out many aspects of human consciousness.

It was Kurt Lewin, who differed from the theory of behaviorism, who proposed a new one, and which continues to be part of the bases of psychology. Lewin's field theory revolves around the way each individual interacts with the surrounding environment.

In addition, he establishes that there are two factors that influence human behavior. What are these factors? Is it possible to apply this theory to the business environment?

Lewin's field theory

Before understanding field theory, two important terms must be understood:

• Psychological field

It refers to some aspects such as what is perceived and what motivates the individual in their environment at a given time.

• Psychological environment

Also called behavioral environment refers to the perception or interpretation of the individual in their environment.

Now, Lewin establishes that the behavior of the individual depends, to a great extent, on two fundamental factors:

• The behavior of the individual comes from the total elements that are part of his environment at a given time.
• Each event that happens at a given moment is related to each other and forms the psychological environment of the individual.

Furthermore, Lewin affirms that people's behavior is oriented to the fulfillment of an objective or a goal, this being the most significant aspect. These intentions are influenced by the field or environment, and the psychological environment or perception of the individual.

Therefore, according to this theory, the individual and his environment should not be analyzed as two separate units; instead, their interaction should be studied and the way in which both can impact each other.

In short, according to Lewin, the behavior of an individual depends on the set of current events and their perception of them and their environment. This is known as the "psychological force field," which is a process of change that goes from an initial event to a final one.

Within the psychological environment, each element can have a positive or negative value, depending on the results of the change process. That is, the value will be positive when the people, objects and situations involved make it possible to satisfy the current needs of the individual.

On the contrary, it will be negative when the entire set of elements causes or may cause some type of damage to the individual.

The psychologist also establishes that a vector or force has the ability to generate a movement in a certain direction. That is, it can attract or, on the contrary, repel the individual of a certain person, object or situation.

The whole statement can be summarized with the following formula:

C =F(P, M)

This formula establishes that behavior (C) is the function (f) of the interaction of the individual or person (P) with their environment (M). Lewin also establishes that the person is an established entity according to genetics and the characteristics that he has incorporated through learning.

Therefore, two people can perceive the same object or situation differently, because their psychological environment is different.

Field theory applied to the business environment

Taking into account that one of the fundamental parts of companies are their workers, that is, people, it seems logical to apply Lewin's theory. Why can it be applied?

Whether due to technological advances or situations that are beyond the control of the company, such as a pandemic, changes occur in the way of working. These changes can impact positively or negatively in each of the individuals who make life in it.

Field theory states that the factors that are part of an individual's environment have a great influence on her behavior. In addition, the objectives or goals of a group of person or individual are also a fundamental part of behavior.

Therefore, when changes occur within the company, even if they are not planned, it is necessary that those in charge have clear the objectives. In this way, the direction in which efforts should be directed can be established, allowing the impact to be positive on the people in charge.

In addition, it should be clearly identified which forces are driving and which are restraining; Once identified, the former can be used and the latter minimized in order to achieve the proposed objectives.

In this last point, it is essential to take into account the opinion of each individual who is part of the working group; an effective way to do this is through brainstorming.

Once all the factors are determined, steps can be taken to make the change the business faces a positive one. In this way the objectives will be achieved, which translates into progress within the organization.

Sources and references

• Chiavenato, Idalberto. Human Resources Administration: The human capital of organizations. P. 45 Mexico: Mac Grall Hill, 2007.