Be Creative to Innovate! EEG Correlates of Group Decision-Making in Managers

Abstract

Background: Organizational creativity and sustainability-oriented innovation are key factors for leaders and managers. This study explores the neural correlates underlying creative decisions in the managerial field in two distinct conditions: individual and group conditions. Methods: A Muse electrophysiological (EEG) headband was applied to a group of managers compared to a group of non-managers during the execution of a realistic complex problem-solving task in an individual and group condition, while EEG frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) were collected. Results: Both managers and non-managers group showed specific neural activations during the task, elucidating the effect of creative thinking at workplace on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the temporal parietal junction (TPJ). Significantly higher delta, theta and beta mean values were detected in the right TPJ in the group condition as well as in the right PFC in the individual condition for managers. Higher alpha band activation was found in the left PFC for managers, regardless of the condition. Conclusions: This study suggests the possibility to uncover, through neuroscientific techniques, the more socially sustainable working conditions that foster innovation, organizational creativity, and the fruitful sharing of one’s ideas while tackling complex problems within organizations.