Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Ph.D in Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Refah University, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD student of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for conitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction:
The present study aimed to identify electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns of brain function, focusing on multi-regional waves in the frontal lobe, and to examine their relationship with executive functions in an organizational context. Executive functions, particularly working memory and cognitive flexibility, play a crucial role in workplace performance and organizational behavior. Despite the growing interest in neuroscientific approaches to organizational research, there remains a gap in our understanding of how specific EEG patterns correlate with executive functions in professional settings. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the neurophysiological underpinnings of executive tasks among employees in a private institution in Tehran, Iran.
Method:
The statistical population comprised all employees of an institution in Tehran in 2022. From this population, 22 participants were selected using simple random sampling and evaluated after meeting the study's inclusion criteria. The assessment of research variables was conducted using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG). QEEG data were recorded using a Mitsar-202 device and Win-EEG software, with subsequent analysis performed using Neuroguide software. To examine the relationship between EEG waves and executive functions of working memory and cognitive flexibility, partial correlation analysis was employed with Bonferroni correction, controlling for age and gender (p<0.0071).
Results:
Partial correlation coefficients revealed significant relationships between delta and beta waves in the frontal region and participants' performance on the Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift (IED) task, a measure of cognitive flexibility, from the CANTAB battery. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between these EEG waves and performance on the Spatial Working Memory (SWM) task, assessing working memory capacity. These findings highlight the neurophysiological dynamics of delta and beta waves in adult cognitive performance, particularly in executive function domains crucial for workplace effectiveness.
Discussion:
The results of this study underscore the neurophysiological dynamics of delta and beta waves in adult cognitive performance, specifically about executive functions vital for workplace effectiveness. By emphasizing the role of neurophysiological prerequisites for executive functions in the work environment, this research carries significant implications for both theoretical advancement and practical applications. From a theoretical perspective, it contributes to the growing body of literature on the neural correlates of executive functions, providing insights into the specific roles of delta and beta waves in cognitive flexibility and working memory. Practically, these findings have potential applications in the development of more effective employee selection tools and competency development programs within organizations. Future research could explore how these neurophysiological patterns might predict job performance or be modulated through targeted interventions to enhance executive functions in the workplace. Additionally, longitudinal studies could investigate the stability of these EEG patterns and their relationship to executive functions over time, potentially informing organizational strategies for employee development and performance optimization.
Keywords
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