Editing Bethel, Maine (section)

==Organizational development==

Beginning in 1947 Bethel became the site of "pioneering work" in [[organizational development]].{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}  Led by psychologist [[Kurt Lewin]] and, eventually, colleagues like Ken Benne and Ron Lippitt, research was conducted that helped lay the foundation for organizational development's theory and practice. [[T-groups]] and [[sensitivity training]] were refined to apply behavioral science to individual self-awareness and group functioning, in the service of organizational efficiency and productivity.  The [[National Training Laboratories]] (NTL) was organized by Lewin to lead this work, with much or it conducted during summer seasons at [[Gould Academy]].  These seasonal research and training sessions were well attended, attracting participants from across the country and around the world.  Increasingly, NTL became an important part of Bethel's economy, especially as the traditional wood product mill industries went into decline. Although NTL moved its headquarters to [[Alexandria, Virginia]] in 2008, it continues to maintain a small summer legacy presence in Bethel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebetheljournals.info/NTL/NTL_Bethel.pdf |title=National Training Laboratories at Bethel |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref>