EEG-Based Explorative Study of the Role of Emotions on Business Problem-solving Creativity

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature in creativity from the viewpoint of neuro-physiological analysis. Further, we looked at emotional influences on creativity within a business problem-solving context that implemented the use of a cognitive map in exploring creativity. For this purpose, we measured brain cortical activity as people solved a business strategy problem to explore the neural mechanisms of “insight problems” that are influenced by distinct emotions. Through an Electroencephalography (EEG) analysis of 34 qualified participants, we investigated the relationship between emotions and business problem-solving creativity (BPSC). Insightful results were derived such that participants primed in a negative condition evoked higher temporal alpha band activity compared to those primed in the positive condition. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences between two priming conditions on the other band activities. Therefore, this study sheds a very positive light on the scholarly value of conducting rigorous studies about the relationship between emotional states and BPSC status.