Bias In The Workplace Summary

Synopsis Workplace bias is a costly problem that businesses cannot afford. It can result in turnover, discrimination, and lawsuits. In her book Making Diversity Work: Seven Steps for Defeating Bias in the Workplace, Dr. Sondra Thiederman, a leading expert on workplace diversity and bias reduction, provides a step-by-step approach for reducing bias and increasing the manageability of diversity.
Thiederman (2003) defines bias as “an inflexible positive or negative prejudgment about the nature, character, and abilities of an individual and is based on a generalized idea about the group to which the person belongs” (p. 8). We are not born biased. Biases are learned attitudes and prejudices of which we are most often unaware and that get in the

Both types are observable to the target of the bias. Thiederman (2003) suggests there is another type of bias which she has trademarked “Guerilla Bias” because “like guerilla warfare in which the enemy is hidden within stands of lush foliage, Guerilla Bias lies concealed behind good intentions, kind words, and even thoughtful acts” (p. 26-27). The target of this type of bias is usually oblivious to it. Guerilla Bias is usually presented in the form of extreme political correctness, holding people to low standards of excellence, and positive stereotyping (p.

The first step is to observe and analyze your thoughts and attitudes toward people who are different from you. Second, identify any benefits you gain from your biases such as protection of status or a shield from pain and loss. Next, identify those biases that cause the most pain to others or affect our own ability to perform successfully. The fourth step involves questioning each of your biases to identify their source and how often we are exposed to people who conform to the bias. This step also encourages more exposure to and knowledge of diverse individuals and groups (p. 93). Next, Thiederman (2003) recommends expanding the number and types of kinship groups to which we belong in order to create connections to people previously thought of as different from ourselves (p. 114). This helps develop empathy. Step six is to consciously set our biases aside. The more we do this, the easier it becomes until it is a habit. Finally, we should be aware that biases are likely to return and when they do we should make an effort to identify the reason behind their return and then dismiss them. If this is not possible, we should “fake it” or excuse ourselves from the situation (p. 127). Making Diversity Work: Seven Steps for Defeating Bias in the Workplace in a useful and practical tool for reducing biases in the workplace. By challenging our own attitudes and behaviors and then changing