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Gunnar Hjelholt, a pioneer within group dynamics and organizational psychology. Part 1: Life and work

On the basis of extended biographical material regarding Danish social psychologist Gunnar Hjelholt (1920–2002), the two authors present a historically-oriented case study in professional culture construction. The culture thus portrayed is a particular brand of Kurt Lewin-inspired social psychology. From the 1960s and onwards, Hjelholt was a key figure in developing this field in Scandinavia and, indeed, in most of Europe. In the present Part 1 of a two-part article, Hjelholt's life story is unfolded chronologically and in its historical context. It is shown how his internment in a concentration camp during World War II shaped his view of the relationship between individual and organization. Further, how a 1958 visit to the USA where he encountered the Lewinian tradition exerted paramount influence on his thinking and practice in such areas as organizational development, group dynamics, laboratory training, adult education and the consultant role. It is concluded that Hjelholt's experiences with the Lewinian tradition, coupled with a talent for supporting organizational change and development, made him a central figure in shaping a European variety of consultancy and group dynamics. The follow-up article discusses characteristic professional themes in Hjelholt's contribution to the field.