How to apply behavioural science in the workplace

A new book on behavioural science within the workplace has been published, with some fascinating insights on how to improve products and services while achieving the best possible outcome for customers.

‘Applying Behavioural Science To The Private Sector’ has been written by Dr Helena Rubinstein, who has previously worked on projects for Southwest Airlines, Heineken, Proctor & Gamble and Shell.

Although human beings are known to be irrational, they are at least irrational in predictable ways – and what can be predicted, can be managed.

World-leading organisations now recognise this and employ teams of behavioural scientists to truly understand the psychology behind what people do. It enables them to accurately predict outcomes before making more informed decisions and taking action to influence human behaviour.

But what really is behavioural science, and how can it be applied to improve business performance in an ethical way?

Applying Behavioural Science to the Private Sector has been published to provide an accessible guide to the principles and theories behind behavioural science, and give practical steps leaders can apply within their own organisation. Rubinstein, is a world-leading behavioural scientist, having lectured on social psychology at the University of Cambridge and held senior positions in marketing communications companies.

Applying Behavioural Science to the Private Sector is divided into two parts. The first focuses on the theories and principles of behavioural science, while the second describes how the theory can be put into practice in commercial organisations. It draws upon real life examples to demonstrate how organisations can use behavioural science to add real value, including an in-depth case study of how Southwest Airlines created a market-leading customer experience using behavioural science.

Applying Behavioural Science to the Private Sectorby Helena Rubinstein is published by Palgrave Pivot, priced £49.99