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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Michael Merzenich

This paper aims to introduce talent development professionals to the most recent breakthroughs in the science of neuroplasticity and how those breakthroughs directly apply to…

447

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce talent development professionals to the most recent breakthroughs in the science of neuroplasticity and how those breakthroughs directly apply to building better brains and a true learning organization. Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to change chemically, physically, and functionally based on sensory and other inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

Viewpoint based on literature review and author’s own neuroscientific research over the past 30 years.

Findings

Gains can be made on standard measures of processing speed, attention, memory, and executive function and those changes generalize to standard measures of mood and affect the real-world activities. Benefits, seen in experiments over the past few years for peak sports performance, are now being applied in the workplace

Practical implications

It is hard to think of any job, where a faster and more accurate brain would not help.

Originality/value

Many learning and development professionals are not yet aware of the health and performance benefits of plasticity-based training. This paper provides summarized evidence of its efficacy for individuals and organizations.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Sheila Keegan

Digital technologies have already changed the way we live and work. However, there has been limited exploration and discussion about the long term effects of such technologies on…

4247

Abstract

Purpose

Digital technologies have already changed the way we live and work. However, there has been limited exploration and discussion about the long term effects of such technologies on our brains and, in particular, how we think. The purpose of this paper is to address the impact of digital technologies on human thinking and behaviour and the consequential effects on the commercial qualitative research industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The “method” underpinning this paper is a combination of qualitative observation drawn from a wide range of client companies during more than 30 years of commercial qualitative practice and organisational change management. The approach also uses an analysis of recent publications, books, academic papers and face to face interviews with psychologists, researchers, a neuroscientist, internet games developers and users, teachers, parents and academics within this field.

Findings

Neuroscientists are discovering that digital technologies, in particular the internet, are changing the way our brains function. These findings are significant for society as a whole and for the qualitative research community. This paper explores the evidence, asks what this means for the research industry and society and what, if anything, should we be doing about it?

Practical implications

The implications for commercial research practitioners are highlighted including, research as a state of mind, differentiating between data and knowledge, deep thinking, acknowledging emotional and intuitive learning, developing personal resources, especially mindfulness and the importance of creative discipline.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of retaining traditional thinking skills, whilst integrating the best and most useful aspects of “cyber‐thinking”.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1992

H.A. Shearring

In times of rapid change, organizations need employees who combinecreativity with wide knowledge and experience. But many organizationsbase their personnel policies on the myth…

Abstract

In times of rapid change, organizations need employees who combine creativity with wide knowledge and experience. But many organizations base their personnel policies on the myth that, in early adulthood, the brain begins to decay and decline irreversibly – making age and creativity incompatible. Many older adults internalize an equally negative view of their own mental powers. Such ageist misconceptions block off many older adults from work which they could perform excellently. Examines the superseded research which supported this pessimistic prognosis for older adults, together with recent work which indicates that the human brain remains plastic throughout life. Outlines an action plan for developing and maintaining lifelong creativity. Describes the characteristics of intelligent failures since creative behaviour entails risk taking and some inevitable failures. Given opportunity and motivation, adults can master new subjects, acquire new skills, learn to behave more creatively at any age.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Abstract

Details

The Business of Choice: How Human Instinct Influences Everyone’s Decisions
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-071-7

Book part
Publication date: 22 August 2014

Daniel Salinas and David P. Baker

Recent developments in neuroscience have generated great expectations in the education world globally. However, building a bridge between brain science and education has been…

Abstract

Recent developments in neuroscience have generated great expectations in the education world globally. However, building a bridge between brain science and education has been hard. Educational researchers and practitioners more often than not hold unrealistic images of neuroscience, some naively positive and others blindly negative. Neuroscientist looking at how the brain reacts and changes during mental tasks involving reading or mathematics usually discuss education as some constant and undifferentiated “social environment” of the brain, either assuming it to be a “black box” or evoking an image of perfect schooling and full access to it. In this review, we claim that a more productive and realistic relationship between neuroscience and the comparative study of education can be thought about in terms of the hypothesis that formal education is having a significant role in the cognitive and neurological development of human populations around the world. We review research that supports this hypothesis and implications for future studies.

Details

Annual Review of Comparative and International Education 2014
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-453-4

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Knowledge Management for Leadership and Communication
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-045-8

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2014

Jason Colman, Jim Briggs, Louise Turner and Alice Good

The purpose of this paper is to report a pilot experiment to test if multi-player online video games could provide a measurable cognitive therapeutic benefit for brain-injured…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a pilot experiment to test if multi-player online video games could provide a measurable cognitive therapeutic benefit for brain-injured people.

Design/methodology/approach

Single-subject research design with n=3 brain-injured participants. Four alternating intervention and non-intervention weeks. Battery of cognitive tests taken at the start of the experiment and at the end of each week.

Findings

Widely varying results with large standard deviation overall.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental design was heavily reliant on multiple participants logging in at the same time. Server logs showed that this happened relatively rarely.

Practical implications

Implications for the next iteration of the experiment are to refine the game design to avoid the need to synchronise the participants. The findings presented may be of practical use to other researchers in this area.

Social implications

Acquired brain injury has been described as an epidemic, and is rising, with stroke being a leading cause. Traumatic brain injury (e.g. due to road traffic accident) has increasing prevalence in low-middle income countries. This research aims to provide a form of therapy to people for whom physical access to rehabilitation services is limited.

Originality/value

The use of multi-player online video games as rehabilitation is a relatively unexplored area. A positive result in an experiment of this nature would indicate the potential for a new, complimentary form of cognitive therapy for brain-injured people.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 December 2015

Pierre A. Balthazard and Robert W. Thatcher

Through a review of historically famous cases and a chronicle of neurotechnology development, this chapter discusses brain structure and brain function as two distinct yet…

Abstract

Through a review of historically famous cases and a chronicle of neurotechnology development, this chapter discusses brain structure and brain function as two distinct yet interrelated paths to understand the relative contributions of anatomical and physiological mechanisms to the human brain–behavior relationship. From an organizational neuroscience perspective, the chapter describes over a dozen neuroimaging technologies that are classified under four groupings: morphologic, invasive metabolic, noninvasive metabolic, and electromagnetic. We then discuss neuroimaging variables that may be useful in social science investigations, and we underscore electroencephalography as a particularly useful modality for the study of individuals and groups in organizational settings. The chapter concludes by considering emerging science and novel brain technologies for the organizational researcher as we look to the future.

Details

Organizational Neuroscience
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-430-0

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 December 2015

Christopher S. Reina, Suzanne J. Peterson and David A. Waldman

Emotions and affect continue to garner widespread interest in the organizational sciences, and psychometric instruments tend to be the most often utilized method of assessing…

Abstract

Emotions and affect continue to garner widespread interest in the organizational sciences, and psychometric instruments tend to be the most often utilized method of assessing emotional phenomena in the workplace. However, psychometric questionnaires/surveys suffer from various shortcomings in that they may not adequately capture the underlying emotional experiences of individuals for various reasons (such as social desirability, lack of awareness, political posturing, and so forth). Neuroscience approaches allow researchers to directly assess the underlying neural activity that is occurring inside individuals’ brains. Accordingly, neuroscience can help researchers to overcome some of the limitations of surveys, thus allowing for both broader conceptualization and measurement. We briefly discuss the various neuroscience methodologies that can be used to help researchers gain insight into how individuals in the workplace experience emotions. Our discussion targets emotional contagion and emotional regulation as two areas that could especially benefit from utilizing a neuroscientific approach. We end the chapter with a consideration of practical implications.

Details

Organizational Neuroscience
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-430-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2018

Michael Merzenich

Discovery in the field of neuroscience is rapid and keeping pace can be overwhelming. This paper aims to summarize the history of how the field has developed and provides seven…

182

Abstract

Purpose

Discovery in the field of neuroscience is rapid and keeping pace can be overwhelming. This paper aims to summarize the history of how the field has developed and provides seven key questions you should ask when assessing the validity of “neuro” products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the author’s five decades of experience as a neuroscientist.

Findings

Developments in neuroscience can assist organizations to deliver more effective OD and learning and development (L&D) interventions. It is, however, critical to identify well-researched and evidenced products and services.

Originality/value

Neuroscience is developing at a high speed our understanding of the brain. This paper provides L&D professionals with a set of principles on which to assess the voracity of what they are offered, to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

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