Culture, Bias & Multipartiality

The video provided explains Hofstede's Cultural Framework. For policymakers, I think it's ideal for them to utilize this model for three main reasons:

1. It facilitates cooperation and collaboration.

2. It aims to dispel negative stereotypes & personal biases.

3. It applies different ways of thinking, providing new knowledge and accounts for various experiences.

The video details the six dimensions of the framework.

While living overseas in South Korea, I noticed several of these dimensions in action. For example, Koreans exhibited a high power index, where they openly accepted that a boss is "higher" and therefore deserves a high amount of respect and authority.

Koreans also showcased a sense of collectivism in that individual members of the workplace showed loyalty and commitment to the group. Colleagues were a tight-knit unit who took care of each other and regularly fraternized outside of work.

This humorous, yet informative, video explains facets of bias. To me, the main point of the video is to give an emotional barometer of how you feel when presented with new ideas or theories that are different from your own (The Oatmeal, 2019).

The biggest takeaway for me from the video is about the idea of The Backfire Effect. Basically, it makes us biologically wired to react to threatening information the same way we would react to being attacked by a predator. We see different ideas as an attack on our core beliefs, those beliefs we most deeply cherish. Since these are developed from childhood and compounded by life experiences, they become engrained, rigid, inflexible & sensitive to being challenged (The Oatmeal, 2019).

Personally, bias has never been a problem. I've always understood that everyone is different and that not everyone is going to think the same way I do, do the same things I do, or like the same things that I like. When someone challenges my core beliefs, I don't feel offended and simply state that I respect their opinion.

Multipartiality is an approach that gives equal attention and support to multiple viewpoints, perspectives, & experiences. More critically, it allows for previously unheard, absent, or underrepresented viewpoints to be considered when approaching an issue. To me, practicing multipartiality is an essential step for policymakers to take. It helps them to stay authentic instead of forcing neutrality while letting various perspectives to be heard (Beldin, 2019).

The article provided goes into additional detail as to other ways to practice inclusivity, but here are the best ways to take the approach of multipartiality:

• Identify the goal of the conversation

• Oppose binary terms (e.g., "both" instead of "either/or")

• Address those who are not involved in the conversation

• Divert from dominant narratives

• Be ready to share unheard experiences

• Be transparent about the stakes (Beldin, 2019).

Personally, multipartiality is a practice I have very little experience with. I hope to get the opportunity to apply this approach as my professional career progresses.