The first presentation of the CARMA Webcast Lecture Series for Spring 2020 occurred on Friday, January 24, beginning at 12:00 CT. The lecture focused on Neuroscience Methods and Organizational Research and was delivered by Dr. David Waldman of Arizona State University. This lecture is a unique addition to our video library and is available for viewing on the video library now.

This presentation outlined the issues surrounding applications of neuroscience to organizational research. It began with a consideration of reasons as to why the time is right for these applications, such as technological developments in assessment procedures, as well as public and professional demand for new approaches to organizational problems. As an example, a new interest group in the Academy of Management, “Organizational Neuroscience”, was announced. Although multiple technologies are associated with neuroscience methods, a special emphasis was placed in this presentation on how quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) can be used in a practical, cost effective manner in conjunction with existing organizational research methods. Example research was highlighted pertaining to leader complexity, ethical leadership, and abusive supervision. In addition, emerging applications to team-level phenomena were considered. Further, the topic of neuro-feedback was overviewed as a possible method to enhance individual development. The presentation concluded with a discussion of cautionary issues, such as excessive reductionism and ethical concerns. Ideas for how organizational researchers can “get into the game” were also suggested.

Dr. David A. Waldman is a professor of management in the W. P. Carey School of Business. His research interests focus largely on leadership processes, especially at the upper levels of organizations and in a global context. Many of his research efforts have been interdisciplinary in nature. For example, his recent activities in the area of organizational neuroscience have gained notoriety in both academic and practitioner circles, including publications in the Academy of Management Journal, the Journal of Applied Psychology, and Personnel Psychology, as well as write-ups in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, and the Financial Times.

Recording of this Neuroscience Methods and Organizational Research lecture is available for free on-demand viewing in the CARMA Video Library by faculty and students from CARMA’s Institutional Premium and Basic Membership Programs.   Over 125 universities world-wide are CARMA Members for 2019-2020, and the Video Library contains over 160 recorded lectures from previous CARMA Webcast Programs.

For more information on CARMA and its programs and events visit the CARMA website https://carmattu.wpengine.com/