Robert Tannenbaum: An examined life

Abstract

This chapter chronicles Robert Tannenbaum's life and contributions to organization development and change. Considered one of the founding fathers of OD, Tannenbaum's shift from accounting to industrial relations marked an increasing emphasis and passion for humanistic psychology. He was a champion for personal growth within a systems perspective, always recognizing the specific situation within which people were embedded. Although his publications on leadership, decision-making, and change were considerable and influential, it was his affirming impact in person - with each individual and audience he met - that defines his legacy in organizational change.