Neuroassessment and monitoring of higher cognitive functions in naturalistic contexts: the case of organizational neuroscience

Crivelli, Davide; Balconi, Michela · 2026 · Crossref

DOI: 10.7358/neur-2026-039-criv

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Summary

This review paper addresses the application of naturalistic neuroassessment within organizational neuroscience, specifically focusing on how higher cognitive functions can be monitored in ecologically valid, real-world contexts. The authors argue that traditional laboratory-based assessments fail to capture the complexity of cognitive processes like decision-making, problem-solving, and attentional control as they unfold in dynamic workplace environments. Motivated by the need for greater ecological validity, the paper explores how integrating methods from cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral sciences can provide objective insights into cognitive effort, self-regulation, and executive functioning. This framework supports the emerging field of neuromanagement, aiming to enhance leadership development, team dynamics, and organizational design through data-driven understanding of human performance. The paper synthesizes existing literature and methodological frameworks rather than presenting new primary experimental data. It details a multimodal approach to neuroassessment that combines electroencephalography (EEG), autonomic nervous system markers (such as heart rate variability and electrodermal activity), and eye-tracking. The authors review how these tools function: EEG markers like frontal theta oscillations and P300 components indicate working memory load and attentional engagement; autonomic markers reflect sympathetic arousal and stress responses; and eye-tracking metrics, including pupil dilation and fixation patterns, reveal cognitive load and attentional allocation. The review also examines the role of wearable technologies, such as EEG headbands and smartwatches, which enable continuous, non-invasive monitoring of physiological states during realistic tasks. Additionally, the paper discusses the use of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and hyperscanning techniques to assess inter-brain synchronization and trust dynamics in team settings. The findings highlight that multimodal neuroassessment provides a more holistic understanding of cognitive and affective loads than single-method approaches. Specific evidence cited includes the correlation between elevated frontal theta activity and increased mental effort, as well as the link between low heart rate variability and cognitive overload. The integration of these signals allows for the real-time detection of cognitive bottlenecks, stress responses, and attentional lapses. Wearable technologies are identified as particularly significant for their ability to support adaptive interventions, such as providing feedback to help individuals manage workload or prevent error-prone decisions under stress. The paper also notes that synchronized physiological data across team members can indicate effective communication and alignment, while mismatches may signal conflict. The significance of this work lies in its potential to transform organizational practices by aligning management strategies with innate human cognitive and emotional realities. By moving beyond diagnostic profiling to include monitoring and intervention, neuroassessment can inform training programs, optimize task delegation, and improve employee well-being. However, the authors emphasize critical ethical and methodological challenges, including the need for transparency, data privacy, and the balance between supportive monitoring and surveillance. They conclude that future developments should focus on AI-integrated adaptive systems and clear regulatory frameworks to ensure that neuroassessment tools are used responsibly to foster cognitively attuned and ethically grounded work environments.

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• neuro workload indices
• workload measurement

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• Empirical Findings: physiological data