This literature review examines Kurt Lewin's influence in leadership psychology. Characteristics of field theory are described in detail and utilized in analyzing leadership research, including the trait approach, leader behavior studies, contingency theory, path-goal theory, and leader decision theory. Important trends in leadership research are identified, suggesting that: (1) Lewinian concepts exist in varying degrees; (2) as a result, differential attention has been given to the leader, follower and situational components of leadership; and (3) field theory has become an increasingly dominant and fruitful theme. (Author/JAC)