Considerations Based on Behavioral Psychology and Cognitive Science

Abstract

Subconscious processes, which are based on experience and which can be trained, control our behavior and follow an “internal reasoning”. They are shaped—among other things—by linguistic constructs. These subconscious processes form the “fast and intuitive thinking”. The benefits of this efficiency are associated with hazards such as prejudices, bias etc. Intuition is an essential resource of our cognitive system and can be influenced. The subconscious mind acts as an associative machine which works on the basis of pattern recognition. So we form our reality in a three-step process consisting of suppression, distortion and generalization. Associations and analogies are essential characteristics of intelligence. These aspects from behavioral psychology and cognitive science at the personal level can be used to support good decision-making and—in the context of the respective organization—they also can be used in the light of the metaphor of shaping “the subconscious mind of organizations” in order to cope with change, uncertainties and disruption.