Title: Deciphering the complexity of human behaviour and decision-making: towards developing human friendly organisations

Authors: Antonis Gavalas

Addresses: Hospitality and Tourism Department, City Unity College, Vouliagmeni Campus, 7 Danais and Armonias, PC 16671, Athens, Greece

Abstract: The purpose of the present paper is to delineate the inner complexity of human behaviour. A theoretical review supports the complex way of our brain functioning and decision-making processes. Through a simple task, the line exercise, it is showed that even when a decision-making process is not dictated by external factors such as rewards or punishments, our complex way of thinking dictates our differences, yet also demonstrating our convergent behavioural patterns. The paper aims to raise further awareness of human decision-making, and search for the common point into which our behaviours may converge. It points out the restrictions we put to ourselves based on our shared mental models, but also our common ground of understanding and cooperation. Finally, it promotes a new paradigm of management and leadership education, by following the key principles of our complex thinking patterns and brain functioning.

Keywords: neuroscience; complex behavioural patterns; decision-making; cognition; emotions; rationality; default mode network; DMN.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2022.121908

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2022 Vol.21 No.2, pp.178 - 194

Received: 06 Mar 2021
Accepted: 06 May 2021
Published online: 07 Apr 2022 *

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