The emerging impact of neuroscience in Human resource management and in the public sector
Foteini Petrou, Maria Rammata
Abstract
The study of the nervous system has opened the gates into exploring the depths of the conscious trying to unlock the cerebral function, its structure and mechanisms that impact human behavior. Implementing the neuroscience paradigm for public organizations is expected to enhance inspiration and innovation for the employees, to transform the organization into a best working place for employees that witness a feeling of integration and accomplishment in the realization of organizational success. A non-fearful or -stressful working environment that was the one that characterized the old public administration where Managers managed through fear and punishment, is leading the way to a more consensual way of doing things where employees are supported to take risks, think laterally and creatively, challenge the status quo, stand up and be counted. The accumulated capital of knowledge is already used in various settings of social life but also and mostly around human resources management at an organized professional context. Indeed, private corporations are already taking advantage of some of the available techniques while the public sector is also catching up slowly as best practices from the private sector are being transferred to the public.