The effect of rituals on the brain

• Lionel NACCACHE
  Neurologist, La Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, Paris
  
• Claude RIVELINE
  Professor of management, École des mines de Paris
  

Summary

Studies carried out by Dr. Naccache, a researcher into cognitive neuroscience, show that thought and memory paths are more complex than simple conduits of reason. Repeated gestures and all kinds of perceptions (either conscious or unconscious) leave lasting 'footprints' in various areas of the brain, and influence our thoughts and behaviour. These discoveries throw new light on the power of rituals which are common, but very poorly understood in the life of organisations.

Summary translated from French by Rachel MARLIN.

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• The entire article was written by Élisabeth BOURGUINAT.

To obtain this article, you can :

• download it in French (PDF help) using your password or contact ecopar@paris.ensmp.fr (Reference VC210110).

The entire article appears in French in the Journal de l'École de Paris du management N° 84.