Elena Parra Vargas, Jestine Philip, Lucia A. Carrasco-Ribelles, Irene Alice Chicchi Giglioli, Gaetano Valenza, Javier Marín-Morales and Mariano Alcañiz Raya
This research employed two neurophysiological techniques (electroencephalograms (EEG) and galvanic skin response (GSR)) and machine learning algorithms to capture and analyze…
Abstract
Purpose
This research employed two neurophysiological techniques (electroencephalograms (EEG) and galvanic skin response (GSR)) and machine learning algorithms to capture and analyze relationship-oriented leadership (ROL) and task-oriented leadership (TOL). By grounding the study in the theoretical perspectives of transformational leadership and embodied leadership, the study draws connections to the human body's role in activating ROL and TOL styles.
Design/methodology/approach
EEG and GSR signals were recorded during resting state and event-related brain activity for 52 study participants. Both leadership styles were assessed independently using a standard questionnaire, and brain activity was captured by presenting subjects with emotional stimuli.
Findings
ROL revealed differences in EEG baseline over the frontal lobes during emotional stimuli, but no differences were found in GSR signals. TOL style, on the other hand, did not present significant differences in either EEG or GSR responses, as no biomarkers showed differences. Hence, it was concluded that EEG measures were better at recognizing brain activity associated with ROL than TOL. EEG signals were also strongest when individuals were presented with stimuli containing positive (specifically, happy) emotional content. A subsequent machine learning model developed using EEG and GSR data to recognize high/low levels of ROL and TOL predicted ROL with 81% accuracy.
Originality/value
The current research integrates psychophysiological techniques like EEG with machine learning to capture and analyze study variables. In doing so, the study addresses biases associated with self-reported surveys that are conventionally used in management research. This rigorous and interdisciplinary research advances leadership literature by striking a balance between neurological data and the theoretical underpinnings of transformational and embodied leadership.
Details
Keywords
Antonio Lanatà, Gaetano Valenza and E.Pasquale Scilingo
This paper aims at testing the ability of textile electrodes to effectively acquire electrodermal responses (EDRs). EDRs are acquired from sixteen healthy subjects in order to…
Abstract
This paper aims at testing the ability of textile electrodes to effectively acquire electrodermal responses (EDRs). EDRs are acquired from sixteen healthy subjects in order to comparatively evaluate the performance of textile versus standard silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes. The acquired signals are analyzed in the time and frequency domain, and a statistical approach is used to validate the system. Moreover, a characterization of a textile electrode, in terms of electrode impedance measurement and a current/voltage diagram, is carried out in the frequency range of EDR usability (from 0.01 Hz to 2 Hz). The results show good performance.