Gerard Egan founded Developmental Eclecticism in the 1970s. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. As of 2005 Egan was the Professor of Organization Studies and Psychology and Programme Director for the Centre for Organization Development at Loyola University of Chicago.
Egan was the co-author of the university textbook, The Skilled Helper, which is a textbook used in social studies. The Skilled Helper, co-authored with Wilma Schroeder, embraces a problem-management and opportunity development approach to helping.
In the about the author section, the book reports that Egan has authored 15 books in the field of counselling and communication.
Aside from writing related to the social work field, Egan provides consultation in the business sector as well. Egan consults in strategy, business and organization effectiveness, and management development.