Abstract: Chen Li’s career as an industrial psychologist began in July 1933, shortly after he got his doctoral degree from University College London, and lasted till his death in 2004. His achievements in the seemingly long career came within a few years of his life: from 1935 when he authored the first Chinese book on the topic, to mid-1937 when Japan invaded China; and from 1977 to mid-1990s, the gap of 40 years serves as a reminder of the tragedies that China went through. During the latter years of his life, he established the first industrial psychology program (and the first ever management-related academic program) in China’s history. He single-handedly re-kindled the torch of China’s management science cut short by multi years of military and political turmoil. His legacy also includes a large number of students who now shoulder important executive duties in various teaching and management positions. Yet, he considered his life a failure, because he did not see his discipline achieving the goal to “lead human beings towards their best potentials, and through the process, towards ultimate self-actualization”.

Key words: Chen Li, industrial psychology, management science, organizational psychology