The IfSTO would like to cordially invite you to the upcoming research talk by

Professor Stefano Brusoni (ETH Zürich)

Topic: Cognitive Flexibility as an Antecedent for Adaptive Decision Making: Evidence from two lab studies
By Daniella Laureiro Martinez (ETH Zurich), Stefano Brusoni (ETH Zurich) and Maurizio Zollo (Bocconi University)

Abstract (short):
This paper focuses on the analysis of the factors enabling decision-makers to adapt their problem solving strategies to the problems at hand. In particular, we rely on a combination of neuroscientific techniques (fMRI) and verbal protocol analyses to explore what cognitive abilities underpin problem solving in both ill and well-structured problems. We triangulate evidence from fMRI data with evidence collected through think aloud protocols. The former provides precise measures of individuals’ cognitive traits. The latter provides rich data about how different individuals actually solve problems. On this basis, we find that, in a sample of 49 comparable experienced decision-makers, high cognitive flexibility (i.e. the ability of breaking away from established ways of doing things) enables individuals to differentiate their problem solving strategies. When faced with a well structured problem, they make fast decisions, most likely based on habits and routines; when faced with ill structured problems, they take longer to decide reflecting the need for identifying missing patterns and connections. Attention control abilities are at the basis of cognitive flexibility.

 

Time:  Thursday, June 11^th 2015 from 12:00 (noon) until 1:30 pm
Location: The talk will take at Seminar room

TC.5.04 (Teaching Center, 5th floor

) at Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
For updates see: http://www.wu.ac.at/ifsto/speaker-series
If you are interested in attending the presentation, for planning purposes kindly confirm your interest to Elisabeth Brunner (elisabeth.brunner@wu.ac.at)

The speaker series is hosted jointly by the Institute for Strategy, Technology and Organization (Christopher Lettl) and the Strategic Management Subject Area at the University of Vienna (Markus Reitzig). The series addresses topics at the interface of strategic management, innovation, technology, and organization design. Aim of the series is the facilitation of research dialogue within our department, boundary spanning to other WU departments, and the facilitation of networking with renowned scholars in the field. See http://www.wu.ac.at/ifsto/speaker-series/ for details on future talks (speakers, dates). The series is associated with the RESEARCH PROGRAM ON OPEN INNOVATION of the Institute for Strategy, Technology and Organization.

We are greatly looking forward to seeing you!