Neuroscience in Business Decisions

In an article for MSN, Emily Falk, Associate Professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, unpacks how small talk can spark deeper social bonds. Backed by neuroscience research, Falk explains how brief, everyday conversations help establish brain synchrony—laying the groundwork for more meaningful exchanges. Using the “Fast Friends” protocol, a structured Q&A game, Falk and her collaborators found that even strangers could align neurologically through initial icebreakers, leading to more enjoyable and wide-ranging discussions. The piece reframes small talk as a gateway rather than a barrier to connection.…Read More

Neuroscientist Michael Platt and his team explored heart rate synchrony as a biomarker to improve decision-making dynamics within groups, facilitating better communication and cooperation. Their findings suggest that heart rate synchrony can serve as a reliable indicator of group effectiveness, surpassing traditional survey-based measures in predicting successful outcomes during collaborative tasks.…Read More

The text discusses BDO’s initiatives in digital risk management, tax technology, and AI strategy, highlighting collaborations with industries like healthcare and pharmaceuticals to streamline processes and improve efficiency. It also mentions podcasts by BDO focusing on transforming the tax function using technology and internal resources.…Read More

Supported by the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative and the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, the Applied Neuroscience and Business Analytics Fellowship introduces undergraduates to the growing field at the intersection of data science and behavioral research. During the summer program, students work closely with faculty including Gideon Nave, Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz Assistant Professor of Marketing, and Elizabeth “Zab” Johnson, Executive Director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, on research projects that explore how psychological traits influence consumer behavior. The initiative aims to broaden access to neuroscience and analytics career paths while equipping future researchers with interdisciplinary skills.…Read More

The Korn Ferry report “Mind to Mind” explores how leaders can enhance team performance through understanding the neurological phenomenon of interpersonal synchrony, which fosters trust, cooperation, and effective decision-making within teams. Research highlights how aligning brain activity between team members can lead to improved collaboration and organizational outcomes.…Read More

Wharton Dean Geoffrey Garrett announced a $10 million anonymous gift to the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative (WiN), aimed at enhancing faculty research, student learning, and corporate engagement in neuroscience’s application to business. The initiative, led by Michael Platt and Elizabeth Johnson, seeks to integrate neuroscience, psychology, and analytics to transform business methods and education across various Penn schools and disciplines.…Read More

The Wharton Neuroscience Initiative aims to integrate neuroscience and business to explore areas where the two fields can inform each other, with a focus on decision-making and creating a common language for interdisciplinary collaboration. Led by Michael Platt and Elizabeth Johnson, the initiative seeks to create research and educational opportunities that engage the academic and broader community through courses, conferences, and partnerships.…Read More

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, George Mason University, and the German Institute for Economic Research found that women are less likely to engage in competitive situations compared to men unless they are competing against themselves, which may affect their representation in higher-ranking job roles. To address this, the researchers suggest restructuring workplace competition to focus on self-improvement rather than competing against others, which can potentially help reduce gender disparities in the workplace.…Read More