ABSTRACT
It seems appropriate to deconstruct some expectations which may be raised by the title of this chapter. What follows is not an attempt to do justice to the full richness of the century of history of work and organizational psychology (W/O). Many colleagues better prepared to tackle the intricacies of historiography have already dealt with that task aptly and comprehensively. I shall consult their works or refer to them as needed. Furthermore, do not expect an unbiased, objective and even-handed treatment of our field from me. Being European of German extraction, though also partly trained in the traditions of the United States, the influence of personal and scientific socialization will be reflected in what I am going to say. In addition, it is impossible to forgo one’s own present scientific preoccupations when dealing with the past and future problems and challenges of our discipline.
