Not all bias is blatant. When unchecked it can negatively impact the integrity of the workplace. Can you recognize it?
Unconscious bias is usually thought of as social stereotypes, and is more common than conscious bias.
Here are some quick facts about unconscious bias:
o Unconscious bias is more common than the conscious or explicit bias.o Unconscious bias may not concur with the conscious bias of an individual.o Unconscious bias may be triggered by an event or situation.
Biases are often the result of social conditioning life experiences. Unconscious biases are deeply rooted in the human brain and impacts how we engage with others. Researchers believe that these biases often began in early childhood, are collected over a lifetime, and often affect decision making, especially in the moment that a snap decision needs to be made. They involve personal feelings and past experiences.
Often, biases go unnoticed, especially when they are not blatant racial or gender biases. The biases that we encounter every day in the news and in current events are easily noticeable and can be confronted and challenged. Unconscious biases are sometimes much less obvious. These judgements or biases can hinder decision making, which can greatly affect our lives.
In the business world, unconscious biases can affect an organization from the top executive to the last hired employee.Unconscious biases affect a company or business on every level, and can affect some of the most important decisions made. From hiring to firing, benefits and promotions unconscious biases are ever present in business. These biases can cause extremely negative effects in the workplace, such as lack of creativity, lack of diversity, and lack of growth. One might believe that a workplace lacking diversity would have good morale and low turnover. However, the opposite is true. The effect of unconscious biases may result in a workplace that is filled with animosity, distrust, and bullying. Employees that do not fit into the “expected norm” are soon isolated from the rest of the employees, eventually they will leave the company.
Unconscious bias is often present where a recruiter or hiring manager may look at hundreds of resumes for one open position. They must decide simply by looking at the information provided which applicant to interview. Often, based on an applicant’s skill set, work ethics, their name, their degree, or affiliation, unconscious bias will have an effect on the interview/hiring process. Hiring practices might be based on unconscious bias that potentially result in a workplace that is narrow minded, lacking diversity, and likely lacking creative and innovative new ideas. In addition, these practices create a work culture in organizations that allows bias to influence business can be negative and toxic. The work force, aware of the lack of diversity and forward movement, may soon move on to healthier companies.
How would your organization score if evaluated on unconscious bias and its impact on diversity, inclusion and corporate culture?
For consulting or training on unconscious bias or diversity and inclusion, please contact us here.
Vicar Group, LLCBusiness Consultants for Generation YOU!
www.vicargroup.com
